Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Sep 12 (KNS): Ahead of the first phase of the Assembly elections, security forces have ramped up measures to ensure a peaceful voting process.
In anticipation of potential threats, additional checkpoints have been installed across key areas, with frisking and surveillance efforts intensified to mitigate any disruptions.
Special attention is being paid to sensitive regions, where movement is being closely monitored.
This heightened security aims to prevent any untoward incidents during the elections, ensuring a secure environment for voters and election officials alike.
Authorities have also urged the public to cooperate with security personnel during this period.
Additional Director General of Police (SPNO) J&K, Vijay Kumar-IPS, IGP Kashmir V.K. Birdi-IPS, and IG CRPF G.K. Verma-IPS conducted a crucial review meeting on security and election preparedness at the DPO Shopian Conference Hall.
The meeting was attended by senior officials including DIG SKR Anantnag Javid Iqbal Matoo-IPS, DIGs from CRPF, BSF, ITBP, and SSB, as well as SSPs from Shopian, Pulwama, and Awantipora, along with commanding officers of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF).
The primary focus of the meeting was to evaluate and enhance security measures for the first phase of the Assembly elections. SSP Shopian Anayat Ali Choudhary-IPS provided a comprehensive briefing on security deployments, polling booth placements, strong room security, and the logistics of CAPF units. Ensuring the safety of polling booths and strong rooms was a key priority.
As per news agency KNS, the first phase of the Assembly elections, scheduled for September 18, will cover 24 constituencies, including 16 in south Kashmir's Anantnag, Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama districts.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp ChannelThis phase marks the start of a three-phase election process, with subsequent phases on September 25 and October 1.
Feedback on preparations from Pulwama and Awantipora officers was also discussed. ADGP Vijay Kumar emphasized the need for meticulous management of the electoral process, urging strong coordination among security agencies and proactive measures to address potential threats. He stressed vigilance against anti-national activities and adherence to the election code of conduct.
Following the meeting, ADGP Kumar expressed confidence in the security arrangements, ensuring a smooth and peaceful election process.
Meanwhile additional security personnel have been deployed across Srinagar, Jammu, and other districts of Jammu and Kashmir.
Enhanced security measures include numerous checkpoints along the Srinagar-Jammu highway, with increased traffic monitoring and frisking at key locations. All CAPF units—CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP, and SSB—have been mobilized for the first phase of the elections.
Special focus is being given to critical polling locations in south Kashmir, with tailored security strategies to maximize protection. In Jammu, troops are stationed along the Jammu-Udhampur highway and at essential junctions, with multiple checkpoints to ensure safety.
Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and other specialized units will remain on high alert, with inter-district checkpoints established to maintain a secure environment for the elections.
Top police and paramilitary officials have conducted thorough reviews of the security situation, including an assessment of conditions in south Kashmir and along the Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir.(KNS)