On April 19, about 2,500 voters crossed the fence on the border between India and Bangladesh to cast their votes in Tripura state.

The barbed wire may have cast a shadow over their lives, but none of them wanted to miss the chance to exercise their right to vote in the biggest festival of democracy. Due to historical reasons, a large number of voters in Tripura have to stay outside the barbed wire fence.

People of legal voting age are now registered in the electoral roll of Tripura. Border gates have been open since morning to facilitate voting.

Amid heightened security at polls, Indian citizens cut off from the mainstream say they have been receiving all kinds of cooperation from authorities so that they can cast their votes without any hassle.

Speaking to ANI, Hafizur Rahmanz, an Indian citizen living on the Bangladesh side of the barbed wire fence, said that all 50 voters living in his village are eager to vote in these elections.

“My name is Hafizur Rahman and I live on the other side of the fence. Things are not bad and voting is going well. There are 19 families and 50 voters. Most of them voted in the morning and the rest Voters will come to cast their votes soon,” Rahman said.

The vote also coincides with “Jumma”. “Some people are busy with religious activities due to Jumma. They will definitely come to vote,” Rahman told ANI, adding that the border gates remained open while voting was taking place.

Border guards deployed at border crossings verify the photo IDs of villagers who have to climb the fence every day. Polling day is no different. BSF women personnel have been performing their duties in Jayanagar district, which is very close to Agartala city.

Ful Banu Begam, another resident of the same village in Ramnagar Assembly constituency, said, “Families living in our village have been participating in the election process since morning. So far, We haven’t had any problems. Several people have already voted; others are getting ready to vote. We live behind me and the 80C gate helps us cross the border. “

According to the returning officer of West Tripura assembly seat, the total number of voters living in front of the fence is 2,500. All the fenced-in villages fall under the jurisdiction of the West Tripura Assembly constituency.

RO West Tripura Dr Vishal Kumar said, “The turnout is satisfactory and if the trend continues at the same rate, the total turnout will definitely cross 80 per cent.”

About 34% of voters voted, he said, adding that the government and police would conduct patrols to strictly protect voters’ safety.

Regarding security measures in the border areas, considering the history of violence in the area, he said, “Since Ramnagar is a border area and has a history of electoral violence, we have made adequate arrangements for security personnel.” The police and the team have been patrolling and keeping vigil. According to reports from various polling stations, the voting process is going smoothly and no unexpected incidents have occurred so far.”

Regarding the population living in front of the fenced area, Dr Kumar said, “If the entire assembly constituency is considered, there are more than 2,500 voters living between the zero line and the fenced area, majority of them living in Boksa Nagar. The population there is approx. 1,600 people, everyone will be here to vote. We saw a huge turnout last year and we hope the same happens this year.”

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)