A one-day programme on Systematic Voters Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) focusing on Clean Electoral Roll and Clean Election was held at Suruhoto SDO(C) Office on Thursday.

Along with the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police of Zunheboto, the programme was attended by GBs and Village Council chairmen, colony GBs, colony chairman of Suruhoto town, all unit officials of recognised political parties under 33 AC, and various NGOs and CSOs.

At the outset, Tokiho Awomi, Head GB of Phuye Old, said the people of Suruhoto want a clean and peaceful election and requested the DC and SP not to allow any anti-social element to disturb the election process.

He also requested all not to have any village declare 100% support for a particular candidate as it does not fulfill the criteria of a clean election.

Vitoi Awomi, chairman of Surumi Village Council, was also very vocal about having a clean election in Suruhoto and said he wanted for all political leaders not to bring any abusive substances to any village or town as it would spoil the clean election environment. Awomi also encouraged all the people not to take or sell their voting rights to any political parties or person.

Vishal Chauhan, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Zunheboto, said the main aim for this election is to make it a free, fair and violence-free election and requested the people to cooperate with the administration.

He also said the election is one of the most beautiful processes in the country and appealed to everyone to work hand in glove with the administration. Giving away his personal phone number, he asked those gathered to reach him if there was any problem at any time.

Rahul Bhanudas Mali, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, requested the people to try to be violence-free and added that if violence were to take place, he would have no option but to take action against the perpetrators.

He also informed that they have already started checking vehicles coming from other districts to stop the illegal flow of liquor and abusive substances entering the Zunheboto district.

Mali requested everyone to take good care of their family members during the election citing an example of an unfortunate incident during the last election in one particular constituency when one person lost his life leaving his kids orphaned and helpless.

He further added that if any village were to declare 100% support to any candidate or any political party, that particular village would be blacklisted and stern action would be taken against that particular village.

The DC also requested the legal arms license holders to submit their guns and assured them that their guns would be kept intact. He added that those who submitted would have their guns license renewed for next year.

Lastly, he requested everyone to call him or come to him anytime for any kind of help.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Athrong, SDO HQ (Additional Charge Suruhoto). The invocation prayer was pronounced by the pastor of SBAK, Aizuto.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Hotoshe, principal of Mount View School Suruhoto and the benediction by the pastor of (Nitomount) Suruhoto town A- Khel church.