Chief Electoral Officer J&K, Shantmanu, today visited Kathua and took sock of preparedness in border district Kathua in the wake of assembly elections in Punjab scheduled to be held on 4th February 2017.The CEO called for observing complete dry day on liquor shops falling under 3km radius from the border of Punjab on 4th February 2017; polling day for assembly elections in Punjab.Shantmanu had detailed discussion on security arrangements on both sides of the border between J&K and Punjab and called for joint security set up for ensuring peaceful atmosphere during the elections. He also called for quick flow of information to DC Pathankot and DC Gurdaspur in case of any eventuality related to law and order issues or any violation of MCC.
The DEO, Ramesh Kumar, apprised that directions have been passed to local industrial associations of Kathua for paid holiday for the employees/laborers hailing from Punjab state who are working in different industrial units in Kathua on polling day for exercising their right to franchise. Later, the CEO took stock of arrangements being put in place for ensuing Panchayat elections and directed the DEO to complete the process of delimitation as per amended Panchayati Raj Act within stipulated time.SSP Kathua Pawan Parihar, Dy DEO Kathua Chand Kishore Sharma besides officers of Punjab police accompanied the CEO during the visit.