37/2024-2025 

Champhai, April 16, 2024: Pu K. Satyanarayana, IPS, the Police Observer for the General Election to the Lok Sabha, 2024 for the 1-Mizoram (ST) Parliamentary Constituency arrived in Champhai today at 11:00 AM. The Police Observer held meeting with district election officials at 1:00 PM at DC's Conference Hall in connection with preparations for the upcoming Lok Sabha Election which will be held on April 19, 2024.

Police Observer Pu K. Satyanarayana while appreciating the peaceful environment and examplary elections in Mizoram, he informed the election officials to stay alert, especially during elections. He urged election officials to adhere strictly to the guidelines provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI) and ensure the smooth functioning of duties. He also lauded the efforts made by enforcement agencies, especially those along the international border in Champhai District. He encouraged the election officials to consult with other colleagues to discuss the best course of action as the election is approaching. He also advised the officials to report any problems to the higher authorities immediately and pay attention to the guidelines issued by the ECI.

During the meeting, the Nodal Officers and Sector Officers were instructed to ensure effective coordination and preparedness. Measures to prevent malpractices and ensure the integrity of the voting process were discussed. It was emphasized that officials involved in polling duties must handle electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machines with utmost care, and securely store them in the Strongroom after voting and guarded tightly thereafter.

District Election Officer Pu James Lalrinchhana welcomed the Police Observer, introduced the participants and provided an overview of election preparations in Champhai District, highlighting the training provided to polling personnels and the arrangement made for voters, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and elderly voters. He informed about the establishment of 9 Pink Polling Stations and 3 Model Polling Stations aimed at enhancing voter's experience. He also mentioned the implementation of webcasting for enhanced transparency during the election process.

The DEO also mentioned that Champhai District is divided into 13 Zones and Sector Officers and Sector Police Officers have been appointed to monitor the zones. Champhai District has 84 Polling Stations with 57,454 voters including 296 PwD voters and 350 voters over 85 years of age.  Since the announcement of elections, twenty-nine election campaign requests have been received from political parties, enforcement agencies, FST/SST/VST seized drugs and other items worth Rs. 7,32,75,335, he added. He also handed over the district profile and District Election Management Plan (DEMP) to the Police Observer.

Pu Vineet Kumar, SP Champhai, briefed about security arrangements, including the deployment of State Police and Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnels, especially in border areas. He reiterated the importance of cooperation among officials to ensure a peaceful election.

The meeting was attended by Nodal Officers, Sector Officers and other Election Officials, among others.