Ramban DEO and SSP ensure tight security and smooth arrangements for vote counting

Ramban (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 7 (ANI): District Election Officer (DEO) Ramban, Baseer ul Haq Chaudhary, has provided a detailed briefing on the arrangements for the counting of votes for the two assembly constituencies in the district–Banihal and Ramban.

The counting will take place at the District Administrative Complex, also known as the DC Office.

Chaudhary stated that all necessary preparations have been made in accordance with the guidelines, protocols, and directions issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Speaking to ANI he said, “political parties and contesting candidates have been informed about the time for the counting process, and our staff has also been briefed as per ECI guidelines.” Two rounds of randomization have already been completed, with the final one scheduled for the morning of counting day.

The counting process will begin at 8 AM, and a dedicated media centre will be set up to ensure timely information dissemination. “After every round of counting, information will be provided to the media, allowing you to share updates further,” Chaudhary added. He also noted that only individuals with passes issued by the Chief Electoral Officer’s office will be allowed to visit the counting area, and they will be escorted by the District Information Officer (DIO). Strict security protocols will be followed throughout the process.

To manage the limited road capacity, vehicle restrictions have also been enforced. “We appeal to everyone to come calmly and take their time, as we have declared specific zones for vehicle restrictions due to the limited road capacity. Therefore, vehicles are not allowed, except for the vehicles of contesting candidates’ counting agents, which will be allowed to drop them off and then return to the designated parking space,” he added.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Ramban, Kulbir Singh, provided further details on security measures for counting day. “There will be a three-tier security system at the usual counting center, which will be perfectly maintained,” he said,

The SSP also assured that no breach would occur. Proper security personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas of the town, and arrangements have been made to control celebrations.

Singh also urged the public to celebrate responsibly.”I would like to tell the public not to get overly excited. Whoever wins, we are not saying you should not celebrate–you can celebrate, but within limits. It should not reach a point where it interferes with others’ feelings in any way. If such interference occurs, we will not hesitate to take necessary action as we are fully prepared” the Ramban SSP told ANI.

Notably, the Exit polls have predicted a hung assembly in Jammu and Kashmir with the National Conference-Congress alliance slightly ahead and the BJP tailgating the opposition.

The single-phase polling for 90 Assembly Constituencies in Haryana concluded peacefully on Saturday across more than 20,000 polling stations and recorded a final voter turnout of 65.65 per cent. Jammu and Kashmir went to polls in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1.

The results of the assembly elections will be declared on October 8 for both the states.