KISHTWAR: In a significant development, the first batch of 189 polling officials and 69 Police personnel were airlifted today from the district headquarters to the snow-bound areas of Marwah and Warwan in Kishtwar district.

Marwah, Warwan and Machail are the remotest areas of Kishtwar District which normally remain cut off for 3-4 months of winter season. There are a total 34 Polling stations in these areas of the District.

Preparations are in full swing, with elaborate security measures in place, including the deployment of Indian Air Force’s Mi-17 helicopters for transportation of polling officers and the establishment of helipads. The airlifting operation being conducted by three IAF helicopters, is a collaborative effort between the Election Commission of India and the Indian Air Force.

Yesterday, 188 security personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) were dispatched to ensure the security of polling staff, intermediate strong rooms etc.

District Election Officer, Dr. Devansh Yadav has made the arrangement, with supervision and approval of Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole for the safe transportation of polling parties, election logistics and material to 35 polling booths, including 19 in Marwah, 12 in Warwan and 4 in Machail.

Five intermediate strong rooms have been established for the secure storage of EVMs, enhancing the efficiency of electoral process.

The dispatch of polling staff will continue in a phased manner, prioritizing the far-flung areas, like Marwah, Warwan, Machail etc.

Pertinently, Kishtwar falls in Udhampur- Kathua Parliamentary Constituency, which is going for poll on 19th April. 12 candidates are contesting from the constituency.