40-km-long human chain to create awareness on voting

To create awareness on voting, Dakshina Kannada Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (Sveep) Committee will organise a 40-km long human chain on the beaches from Talapady to Haleyangady in Mulki on April 7, said Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil S.

Senthil, also the District Election Officer, was speaking to mediapersons after the preparatory meeting held at Netravathy Hall on the premises of Zilla Panchayat here, on Saturday.

He said hundreds of people would hold hands to form a chain on the beaches and would spread the message on the importance of exercising franchise.

“Nodal officers have been appointed in Ullal, Mangaluru and Mulki divisions to ensure the success of the programme.”

Along the 40-km stretch, the human chain is likely to be discontinued on trenches without water. At such places, banners will be mounted to spread the message. For every kilometre, 750 to 800 people are needed to form human chain, he said.

He said, “The voters will be connected emotionally by forming human chain. Suitable precautionary measures ensuring safety of participants will also be taken on the shores.”

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Selvamani R said the Sveep had decided to organise a variety of programmes for every kilometre. Health camps will be organised at different places on account of World Health Day on April 7.

“Yakshagana and other cultural programmes will also be organised,” he said.

He appealed to the members of educational institutions to join hands with the Sveep committee in making the human chain a huge success.

Deputy Commissioner Sasikanth Senthil said that a few cloth merchants were found illegally selling T-shirts with pictures of political leaders. About 20 such T-shirts have been seized.

“Political campaign without permission is an offence as per RP Act Section 171 (h). The case is being verified and suitable action will be initiated,” he added.

It is not right to carry out such campaign for business purpose. However, if approval has been taken from the candidate to carry out such campaign, then it will be included in the expenditure of the candidate, he said.

Legal action will be initiated against those engaged in publicity without prior permission from the candidate, he warned.