Polling Party Undertakes Day-Long Trek to Secure EVMs from Remote Village

After a challenging trek through the rugged terrains of the Pir Panjal region, a dedicated polling party successfully concluded the voting process in Hill Kaka, a remote village in Poonch, and safely deposited the electronic voting machines (EVMs) at a designated strongroom on Sunday evening. This marked the completion of the polling exercise for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency, which is part of the larger electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. Hill Kaka, known for its difficult access and historical significance of being cleared of foreign terrorists over two decades ago, saw a commendable turnout of voters this election.

Hill Kaka, with 377 eligible voters, is not only one of the most remote villages in the region but also a symbol of resilience. The village gained attention during April-May 2003 when Operation ‘Sarp Vinash’ was conducted by security forces, eliminating 64 terrorists and liberating the area from terrorism. The recent elections saw a polling station set up inside the local Government Middle School, classified as hypersensitive due to its location and past. The polling team, led by a presiding officer and accompanied by security personnel from various forces, embarked on their mission on Thursday to ensure that democracy reaches every corner.

Voting Process and Challenges

The Assistant Returning Officer for the 88-Surankote Assembly constituency, Farooq Khan, praised the efforts of everyone involved in making the voting process in Hill Kaka a success. Out of 377 registered voters, 313 participated in this democratic exercise, with 171 male and 142 female voters casting their votes. The polling team faced significant challenges, including a difficult 18-kilometre trek through hilly ridges and crossing numerous streams to reach the village. Additionally, communication was a major hurdle due to the absence of mobile connectivity in Hill Kaka, which was overcome by using wireless systems.

The team's journey began early on Thursday with an overnight stay at Dak Bungalow Kalali, where an intermediate strong room was established. After conducting the voting process, they stayed at the polling station itself before starting their return journey early Sunday morning. The team arrived at the Surankote EVM collection centre in the evening hours. To ensure preparedness for any technical snags, two additional EVMs were dispatched to the area along with sector magistrate and sector officer.

The successful execution of polling in such a challenging environment as Hill Kaka is a testament to the dedication of election officials and security personnel. It highlights not only the logistical achievements but also the commitment to ensuring that every voter has an opportunity to participate in India's democratic process. This election cycle in Jammu and Kashmir has once again demonstrated that democracy can reach even the most inaccessible areas, reinforcing the strength and resilience of India's electoral system.