J&K: Free and fair elections assured

Jammu and Kashmir Governor, Mr N N Vohra, today conducted aerial survey of Mughal Road and reviewed its progress with senior officers and engineers at Dhubjan in Shopian district.
Vohra was apprised about the status of the road, work on which is simultaneously progressing from Bafliaz, Poonch and Shopian, Kashmir sides. It was indicated that two critical patches of about 340 meters are currently being leveled to make the road jeep-able by middle of November. This work would have been completed a month earlier, but for the serious impediments encountered at the two critical patches
The Governor was given a presentation of the works undertaken and briefed that since July 2007, 49 culverts and one bridge have been constructed. The double-lane road project has been taken up under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan in 2005 and is estimated to cost Rs 639.85 crores. As per the blueprint, the road from Bafliaz to Shopian will cross the 13,000 feet mountain range, which is higher than the Banihal pass, on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
The Governor also held a meeting with the District Officers and reviewed the overall situation. He reiterated that the State Administration is committed to ensuring free and fair Assembly elections and creating a conducive atmosphere for productive electioneering.
The Governor also reviewed the Election related arrangements and was informed that all the necessary arrangements have been made by District Administration for smooth and transparent elections.
The District Development Commissioner, Mr M R Thakur, informed that 175 polling stations would be set up for 1, 39, 475 electorate of the two constituencies of the district. The Shopian constituency has an electorate of 71, 087 and will have 91 polling stations while the Wachi constituency, having 68, 388 voters, will have 84 polling stations. In all, 175 booth level officers and 12 supervisors are being deployed for conduct of the polls.  
Vohra asked the District Administration to gear up on all fronts to ensure a peaceful environment for the conduct of free and fair polls.
Later, several deputations met the Governor and apprised him of various problems. The deputations included the Fruit Growers Association, Shopian, Traders Association, Shopian, Sports Association and a deputation of the inhabitants of the Keller area of the district.
Principal Secretary to Governor, Mr B B Vyas and Secretary, Public Works, Mr Shailendra Kumar, accompanied the Governor on his inspection of this road.