Srinagar: The election observer for Leh assembly constituency of Jammu and Kashmir today warned of severe punishment to government employees found campaigning for political parties.

"If any government employee is noticed involved in election campaigns, stern action would be taken against the defaulters," A K Kaluram Meena said addressing a meeting of different political parties of the district at Leh, an official release said.

He appealed to political parties to strictly adhere to the code of conduct and rules to ensure free and fair elections.

The District Election Officer A K Sahu briefed the observer and members of the political parties about poll and security arrangements made in the district to ensure free and fair elections.

The representatives of all political parties assured the observer of their full cooperation to the administration to maintain peace and ensure free and fair elections.

Later, the Election Observer also convened a separate meeting with the Zonal and Sectoral Magistrates and were acquainted with the guidelines and instructions issued by the Election Commission of India regarding the functioning of the Magistrates during the election.

The Election Observer for Nobra Assembly Constituency Dinesh Kumar also convened a meeting with the political parties and Returning Officer at Nobra and sought their help to ensure free and fair elections. He also inspected polling stations of Khardog, Diskit, Hundar and Skampuk.

Leh and Nobra along with eight other constituencies of the 87-member assembly goes to the polls in the first phase of the seven phase elections on November 17.
Source : PTI