A candidate of Jamiate Ulema Islam contesting election from NA-46, Haji Shamsuddin expressed concerns over establishment of polling stations for conflicted hit people of Tirah Valley in far-flung areas, demanding the Election Commission to set-up polling booths in peaceful areas of the constituency NA-46.
Speaking at a news conference here at Peshawar Press Club on Wednesday, the JUI candidate said that the polling stations have been established at Bar Qamar Khel for voters of Tehsil Bara, while the conflict-affected people of Tirah Valley would also poll ballots in Shahqas area miles away from their hometown.
He said that it could be quite difficult for conflict hit people of Tirah Valley to use their right to vote on May 11 election due to establishment of polling stations in remote areas. He expressed fear that voters turnout may be affected under the present arrangements for elections. Shamsuddin informed that more than 80 percent tribesmen had been forced to leave from their respective hometown due to prolonged military operations and the ongoing conflict in Tirah Valley and Tehsil Bara, Khyber Agency. He demanded the EC to immediate shift the established polling stations in peaceful areas of constituency NA-46, to people fully participate in electoral process.