Around 2,500 determined voters crossed fencing on the Bharat-Bangladesh border on April 19th to participate in the democratic process during the elections in Tripura. Despite the imposing barbed wire fencing, these citizens were steadfast in exercising their right to vote, underscoring the significance of democracy in their lives.
The fencing, which separates Bharatiya citizens living close to the border from the mainstream, has long been a barrier for these residents. However, the allure of participating in the democratic process proved stronger, prompting them to brave the challenges posed by the border infrastructure.
Authorities, recognizing the importance of enabling every eligible voter to cast their ballot, ensured cooperation and assistance for those living beyond the fencing.
Border gates were opened early in the morning to facilitate the movement of voters, with security measures heightened to ensure a safe voting environment amidst the ongoing elections.
Security personnel deployed at the border gates diligently verified the identification cards of villagers crossing the fence, ensuring a smooth voting process. Female Border Security Force (BSF) personnel also played a crucial role in maintaining order and facilitating the movement of voters, particularly in areas close to urban centers like Agartala.
One of female voter highlighted the assistance provided by designated gates for border crossings, which facilitated the participation of residents living ahead of the fence.
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According to the Returning Officer for the West Tripura Parliamentary seat, Dr. Vishal Kumar, the turnout of voters residing ahead of the fencing was satisfactory. With proactive measures in place to ensure security and monitor polling stations, authorities were optimistic about achieving a high voter turnout, potentially surpassing the 80% mark.
Dr. Kumar emphasized the historical context of the region, noting its susceptibility to election-related violence. However, he reassured that stringent security arrangements were in place to safeguard voters and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
The determination of voters living along the Bharat-Bangladesh border in Tripura underscores the resilience of democracy, transcending physical barriers to ensure the participation of every eligible citizen in shaping their governance.
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