Distt. Admin Kupwara takes cognizance of ‘MCC violation’ at Vilgam

Kupwara: The District Administration Kupwara on Thursday served a notice to one political party ‘J&K People’s Conference’ for violation of model code of conduct at Vilgam Area of Handwara.
Nodal Officer, Model Code of Conduct, (MCC), Additional District Magistrate, Kupwara on Wednesday issued a show-cause-notice to ‘Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference’ District President Kupwara, after a vehicle mounted with party flag transporting GI pipes was spotted at Vilgam area of Handwara. The said vehicle was immediately intercepted and seized.
It was given out that during the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct, display of any flag, sticker etc. on commercial vehicles is not permissible unless such vehicle is a vehicle being validly used for election campaign after obtaining the requisite permit from the District Election Officer/Returning Officer and the said permit is displayed, in original, on the wind-screen of the vehicle.
The notice issued read, “a report was received that a commercial vehicle mounted with a JKPC party flag, bearing no: JK09-5257 carrying 89 GI pipes was spotted at Kukroosa, Tehsil Villgam, raising concerns regarding adherence to the prescribed guidelines/instructions issued by the Election Commission of India”.
The Nodal Officer said that it is imperative for all political parties to adhere to the prescribed guidelines/ instructions during the election period to maintain the integrity of the electoral process, as any deviation to these norms undermines the principles of fair and democratic elections.
He said the spotting of the vehicle with the party flag is tantamount to the clear violation of Model Code of Conduct and relevant instructions issued in this regard.
Taking cognizance of the report, the Nodal Officer MCC has served the notice to the District President of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference Kupwara, seeking an explanation as to why the vehicle mounted with party flag was transporting GI pipes
“It is illegal, gross misconduct and amounting to clear violation of Model Code of Conduct guidelines as this kind of activity has the tendency to influence the voters,” he added.
The Officer has further said that failure in submission of clarification within two days may warrant the matter being forwarded to Chief Electoral Officer Jammu and Kashmir.