Strict security measures in place Sirsa

In Sirsa, the counting of votes for the Municipal Council mayoral and councillor posts elections is set to take place on March 12 at Chaudhary Devi Lal University’s Multipurpose Hall. Over 200 employees have been assigned duties, with three Duty Magistrates overseeing the process. The counting will begin at 8 am.

Returning Officer and SDM Rajendra Kumar announced parking arrangements for the agents of councillors at the Library Building, while parking for the mayoral election agents will be at the Girls Hostel’s adjacent to open field. Agents will be allowed into the counting hall only before the counting begins.

To ensure peace and law enforcement during the election counting, District Magistrate Shantanu Sharma has issued orders under Section 163 of the Indian Civil Security Code 2023. These orders will be effective from 6 am on March 12 until the counting concludes. Unauthorised entry will be restricted within a 500-metre radius of the counting centre, and only authorised personnel such as officers, staff, police, candidates, agents and those approved by the Election Commission or Returning Officer will be allowed inside.

Additionally, certain items will be prohibited at the counting centre, including weapons, matches, lighters, knives, chemicals, mobile phones, walkie-talkies, electronic devices, extra clothes, belts, keychains, pens, and pencils. Only counting agents are allowed to carry pens/pencils, plain paper/notepads, and duplicate forms provided by the presiding officer after voting.

The order also prohibits victory processions and gatherings of five or more persons. Possessing weapons, sticks, swords, spears, iron rods, bricks, stones, or any inflammable or explosive materials will lead to strict legal action. Violators of these rules will face serious consequences.