Silchar: Cachar district will have a record 400 polling stations managed entirely by women during the upcoming Assam assembly elections, district magistrate Ayush Garg said, marking a sharp increase from 201 such booths in the 2021 polls.“In a major push towards gender inclusivity, a record 400 polling stations in Cachar district will be managed entirely by women during the upcoming Assam assembly elections,” Garg said.The district has also identified 95 polling stations as “critical” and 60 as “sensitive”, with enhanced security arrangements planned to ensure smooth voting. Officials said the administration is coordinating with security agencies and additional forces may be deployed in vulnerable areas.Cachar now has 1,732 polling stations, up from 1,551 earlier, in a move aimed at improving voter access ahead of the election.The district has 13,81,903 electors across seven assembly constituencies, including 6,91,607 men, 6,90,283 women and 13 third-gender voters.Ahead of polling on April 9, the district administration has imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to maintain public order during the election period.The March 16 order issued by Garg cited the possibility of anti-social elements attempting to disturb peace during the polls. It bars assembly of five or more people in public places without permission and prohibits carrying weapons such as lathis, daggers, sticks, spears and swords.Public rallies, processions, demonstrations, strikes, dharnas and slogan shouting without prior permission have also been restricted, particularly where they may block roads or disrupt traffic. Use of loudspeakers without permission has been banned, with a complete prohibition from 10pm to 6am.The order also bans inflammatory speeches, communal or anti-state slogans, defacement of religious places or govt buildings, and circulation of objectionable messages through SMS or social media that could influence the electoral process.Exemptions have been made for routine gatherings in markets, educational institutions, transport hubs, sporting events, marriage ceremonies and religious functions. Police, armed forces, magistrates on duty, government officials on official work and candidates conducting door-to-door campaigning are also exempt.The restrictions have taken immediate effect and will remain in force until the declaration of results. Violators will face action under Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, officials said.
