Tura, Oct 20: The Hindu Shamshan Bhoomi Committee (HSBC) of Tura on Saturday held election for a new executive body, after a gap of nearly eight years, bringing hope for uplift of the cremation ground maintained by the Committee.
With a total of 14,790 eligible voters in North Tura and South Tura, the election saw a turnout of 5,558 voters, a participation rate of 37.10%. Large crowds gathered at the polling stations since morning, with many hoping the polling percentage to be 70-80%. However, the excitement waned by afternoon with many not turning up to cast their vote.
Among the participants, 2,941 males (38.10%) and 2,617 females (36.91%) cast their votes across two polling stations set up at Pechon A Sangma Memorial Police Public Secondary School and Tura Government College.
There are three teams in contention to take over the management of the cremation ground at Tura. The counting of votes is scheduled for October 21.
West Garo Hills District administration made arrangements to ensure a smooth electoral process, adhering to the directions issued by the Meghalaya High Court. The court ordered the elections for the new executive body to be by secret ballot, specifically for the Hindu community of Tura and its adjoining areas.
Superintendent of Police of West Garo Hills was nominated in an unofficial capacity to act as the Returning Officer, while the District Magistrate was tasked with overseeing the peaceful conduct of the elections.
The last election for HSBC executive body scheduled for 2016-17 did not take place, leading to deterioration of the crematorium ground and it turning into a jungle after a certain period.
The other issues faced at the crematorium include broken stairs, lack of amenities water dispensers, absence of electricity and public lighting, and inadequate toilet facilities.
