Tura’s date with prayer for peaceful polls

^{SHILLONG, APR 2: Tura town Bishop Rev Andrew R Marak informed a meeting with Tura Lok Sabha constituency returning officer Praveen Bakshi on Wednesday that coming Sunday will be observed as a day of prayer for peaceful elections in Garo hills even as Father Viju informed that the community has been educated on the need to vote within the parameters laid down by the election commission.}

^{Bakshi had convened a meeting of senior citizens, church elders, NGOs, civil society institutions and youth organizations at Tura circuit house on Wednesday.}

^{During the meeting Father Viju also informed that the students in schools and colleges have been sensitized to vote and also motivate their parents to vote. However, he felt that the district administration needs to create more awareness on voting without fear especially in rural areas where muscle power is prevalent.}

^{Angela W Ingty, member, State Commission for Women stated that capable women officers should be used for election duties but at the same time the district administration should ensure their safety and well-being. She also urged the women electorates to come out and vote.}

^{SVEEP Icon SK Sangma said that mobile vigilance teams need to be more alert to the issue of money power that is found in the outskirts of the town. He appealed to everyone to come out in large numbers and vote by conscience.}

^{The meeting saw animated participation of all which culminated in issuing a joint statement for ethical voting. General observer Nirmal Kumar Khakha was also present at the meeting.}

^{The Election Commission of India puts a lot of emphasis on ethical and informed voting free from influences pertaining to caste, creed and religion and community orientation to ensure free and fair elections.}

^{The campaign for ethical and informed voting under SVEEP programme is to appeal to voters not to be swayed by inducements, false promises and appeals that are corrupt and communal in nature.- By Our Reporter}