Assam: Dima Hasao administration gears up for Haflong vote counting under tight security

The Dima Hasao district administration in Assam has completed preparations for the counting of votes in the 113-Haflong (ST) Assembly constituency, with officials putting in place elaborate security and logistical arrangements ahead of counting day on May 4.
 

Addressing a press conference on May 2, District Election Officer and Deputy Commissioner Gayatri Devidas Hailinge said all officials involved in the counting process are fully prepared and necessary arrangements have been completed in accordance with the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.
 

She informed that vote counting will be held at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Haflong, where counting of votes from Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) will be conducted in 19 rounds across 14 tables. Postal ballots will be counted separately on seven tables.
 

According to officials, the counting process will begin at 8 am on May 4, with postal ballots to be counted first, followed by EVM votes.
 

Hailinge said strict security protocols will be enforced at the counting centre to ensure a smooth, secure, and transparent process. Entry to the counting premises will be restricted to authorised personnel only, while mobile phones and other unauthorised devices will not be allowed inside the counting hall.
 

Dima Hasao Senior Superintendent of Police Ripunjay Kakoti also briefed the media on security arrangements, assuring that adequate deployment has been made to maintain law and order throughout the counting process.
 

The 113-Haflong constituency is the only Scheduled Tribe reserved Assembly seat in Dima Hasao district and remains politically significant in the hill district of Assam.