M Rafi Ahmed
In a first-of-its-kind in the history of Department of Posts, the Post Boxes were used as Ballot Boxes during the 1996 Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir seven years after the valley witnessed turmoil and insurgency when the State was grappling in political challenges and security concerns. Amidst a tense situation, the general elections for 11th Lok Sabha was held for six seats.
Nonagenarian postmaster Kovaipudur N Hariharan who brought this info to this scribe said that former Senior Superintendent of Post Offices (SSPO) H K Gupta in an article carried in Dak Patrika had mentioned about the historical event wherein the Department of Posts was closely associated with the general elections. The post boxes were used as ballot boxes facilitating the Kashmiri migrants based in Jammu, Udhampur and Delhi to exercise their franchise.
It was a piquant situation wherein the migrants couldn’t be deprived of their democratic right nor could be forced to go to their respective constituencies in the valley for casting their vote for their choice candidates due to prevailing scenario. Despite being fully aware of the importance of voting, the Kashmiri migrants, who were well educated, were left in a dilemma. Moreover, they knew that Jammu and Kashmir State didn’ have a representation in the 10th Lok Sabha as elections weren’t held then.
Thanks to the Ordinance promulgated by the then President of India dated April 25, 1996 facilitating the Kashmiri migrants to exercise their franchise through postal ballots in the 11th Lok Sabha elections. It may be noted that the Ordinance amended the Representation of People’s Act, 1951 thereby giving special powers to the Returning Officers to allow the migrants to discharge their democratic duty.
Following the promulgation of the Ordinance, the personnel in the India Post deputed for this mega exercise were in full swing to ensure the collection of postal ballots from the Assistant Returning Officers (AROs) of the valley camping in Jammu even while initiating prompt delivery of letters containing postal ballots to the voters direct or through zonal officers or camp commanders of the migrant camps.
Thereafter, the personnel from the Department of Posts collected the postal ballots from the special post boxes kept for this purpose in the respective areas. Soon after collecting the postal ballots from the letter boxes, the postal staff sorted out constituency wise and sent it to the valley. The postal ballots were delivered to the Returning Officers stationed at Baramulla, Ananatnag and Srinagar.
Worth mentioning that 55 special post boxes were installed after consultation with the Chief Election Officer at zonal officers or migrant camps located in the districts of Rajouri, Jammu, Udhampur,Kathua and Doda. Meanwhile, special teams were deployed for smooth transition at every stage. H K Gupta writes to say that the task was indeed difficult and the entire exercise was conducted with patience and perseverance putting up a brave face.
The mega exercise was held for over three weeks which ended on May 31, 1996 and the postal department hogged the limelight for its devoted spirit and dedication while receiving accolades from the government and the people for ensuring peaceful conduct of the elections. Undoubtedly, the India Post’s challenging task in the strife-torn hilly region is remembered even now.
It is learnt that retired postmaster Hariharan for the first time in the annals of Department of Posts had worked as counting supervisor during the 1989 Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Normally, only the revenue staff were deployed for election duty. Unusually, Hariharan who was public relations inspector was deputed by the then collector N Govindan (District Election Officer) who also presented a commendation certificate for his service then.
