Dy CEC reviews preparedness in seven Kashmir districts

Deputy Election Commissioner of India Vinod Zutshi Thursday reviewed election preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir with election officers of seven districts.

A statement issued by the election office in winter capital Jammu said: "The Deputy Election Commissioner of India, Vinod Zutshi, who is on 2-day visit to Jammu today (Thursday) interacted with the six District Election Officers (DEOs) of Kashmir Valley and one from Jammu division through video conferencing regarding the election preparedness in the first and second phases.

"Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Umang Narula was also present on the occasion.

"Zutshi received detailed brief on the steps taken for the smooth conduct of elections from the DEOs of Leh, Kargil, Ganderbal, Bandipora, Kupwara, Kulgam and Poonch.

"He directed the DEOs to ensure all necessary arrangements for fair and free holding of elections in their areas as per the parameters framed by the Election Commission of India from time to time.

"He said security of people should be the paramount factor during the elections.

"The Deputy Election Commissioner expressed satisfaction about the preparations in these districts. He called for coordinated efforts for making the election process successful.

The state Chief Electoral Officer also briefed Zutshi about the measures initiated to meet all the challenges for smooth conduct of Ist and IInd phase of elections.

"He said necessary strategies have been worked out to meet the eventuality, particularly in the most difficult and inaccessible areas".