Shillong: The Shillong Arts and Music Forum (SAMLF) has once again appealed to the people of the State to vote for their brand ambassador.

The Forum, in collaboration with Airtel, has opened voting booths at different locations of Shillong like MUDA Complex in Khyndai Lad, Laitumkhrah Main Road, Malki and Nongthymmai. The Forum was also taking initiative to open more booths at Laban, Madanryting, Lummawbah, Mawlai and other locations within September 20.

SMSs from such booths can be sent at the rate of six SMSs for Rs 10 only. Any number of SMSs can be sent at that value.

Moreover, constant efforts are being made by the Forum to install temporary landlines at various community centres, dorbar and welfare halls and other public places. The Forum is awaiting response from the BSNL authorities in this connection.

Meanwhile, the Forum informed that during the past three months of the campaign for Amit Paul, which spread all over the State and in different regions of the country, has been carried out through donations and contributions made by members of the Forum and well wishers of SAMLF.

"There has been no financial or any other assistance forthcoming from any industrial house or big business organisation. The entire cost of posters, banners, publicity materials in thousands has been prepared and distributed throughout Meghalaya and other parts of the country by the Forum exclusively without any help from any quarters," Chairman, SAMLF JL Das said while informing that the total amount received from members and well-wishers, welfare associations amounted to less than Rupees four lakh, while the expenditure with credit remains unpaid stands at around Rs six lakh.

The detailed report of receipt and expenditure statement, names of donors and amount received, will be released to the public shortly to ensure transparency in matters of fund received and utilisation thereof, Mr Das said.

The Keatinge Road Welfare Organisation has also installed five BSNL landlines at Lyngrah Building, opposite Income Tax office building, for round the clock voting in favour of Amit Paul.

Boys and girls of all the localities will sit on rotation basis to man the voting vote. Donations will be collected from the locality to meet the expenditure as decided by the headman of the locality, the organisation said.

Hatath Colony Durga Puja Committee, Kench's Trace will sponsor two PCOs at Laban Last Stop on Friday and Saturday respectively. The Pradhan PCO will be opened for voting from 8 am till 10 pm on Friday while Elco PCO will be opened the next day at same time.

The Bihari Youth Welfare Association has also appealed to all people of Meghalaya and North East, irrespective of caste, creed and religion, to vote in favour of Amit Paul.

Yogya: In a unique way to garner vote for Amit Paul, the Greater Polo Shop Owners' Association will perform a day-long yogya on Thursday at Polo Parking Lot, near Hotel Polo Tower here from 1 pm. All are invited to participate.