Authorities at the Karnataka checkpost and central government officers check vehicles entering Karnataka across the Goa border. Captured by : Kathy Fernandes
CANACONA
Checks at the state borders in Polem-Canacona and Majali-Karwar have intensified following an announcement of the Karnataka Assembly elections on May 10.
While the Goa Excise at Polem checkpost is strictly checking for liquor in vehicles going to Karnataka, the excise officers, police and CRPF personnel, as well as central government deputed election officers on duty are also checking vehicles arriving at Majali checkpost after crossing Goa’s border at Polem.
Incidentally, Karnataka officials have been stopping all vehicles, leading to a huge queue in the neutral land between Goa and Karnataka. This queue of vehicles has often extended beyond Goa’s side of the border.
Officials are keeping a close tab on transportation of liquor, cash and any articles/items in large quantities which could be possibly used for distribution to lure voters to vote for particular candidates contesting the assembly election on May 10.
Mindful that these checks have led to long questions and unhappy motorists, one officer manning the border said, “We have orders and we don’t simply stop and search vehicles. This is the need in these situations. Some aggrieved senior citizens enter into arguments, but we also get full support and cooperation from other motorists to carry on with our legitimate task.”
Incidentally, locals in Polem have appreciated the strict checks at the Majali check post.
“There is always strict surveillance by Karnataka officials every time there is election in their state. Officials from Goa need to learn from them, especially when there is an election in our state,” said a local resident.
While the Goa Excise at Polem checkpost is strictly checking for liquor in vehicles going to Karnataka, the excise officers, police and CRPF personnel, as well as central government deputed election officers on duty are also checking vehicles arriving at Majali checkpost after crossing Goa’s border at Polem.
Incidentally, Karnataka officials have been stopping all vehicles, leading to a huge queue in the neutral land between Goa and Karnataka. This queue of vehicles has often extended beyond Goa’s side of the border.
Officials are keeping a close tab on transportation of liquor, cash and any articles/items in large quantities which could be possibly used for distribution to lure voters to vote for particular candidates contesting the assembly election on May 10.
Mindful that these checks have led to long questions and unhappy motorists, one officer manning the border said, “We have orders and we don’t simply stop and search vehicles. This is the need in these situations. Some aggrieved senior citizens enter into arguments, but we also get full support and cooperation from other motorists to carry on with our legitimate task.”
Incidentally, locals in Polem have appreciated the strict checks at the Majali check post.
“There is always strict surveillance by Karnataka officials every time there is election in their state. Officials from Goa need to learn from them, especially when there is an election in our state,” said a local resident.
