Amid political killings, threats, boycott; J&K readies for ULB poll
Security stepped up but no restrictions today
A day ahead of civic polls, security forces stand alert in central Kashmir’s Bandipora district. Photo/Javed Khan
Srinagar: As the state of Jammu and Kashmir gears up for first phase of local body polls, security forces have intensified checking and area domination as part of an elaborate plan to provide a sense of security for the smooth conduct of polls in the Kashmir Valley.
The four phase ULB elections are being conducted in the backdrop of killings of two NC workers, threats of acid attacks by militants and boycott by two major mainstream parties – NC and PDP.
In the areas, particularly in Kashmir Valley, that go for polls on Monday, security Nakas have been established all over and frisking of vehicles and pedestrians intensified.
“An elaborate security plan has been put in place for the smooth conduct of the polls,” a senior police official said.
He said security forces have intensified vehicle checking, frisking and area domination in the city as well as in the other areas of the valley in the run up to the polls.
“Many check-points have been placed in the city where vehicles are being checked. Sniffer dogs are also being used to check vehicles. We are making sure that no untoward incident happens,” he said.
Meanwhile, Director General Police Dilbagh Singh on Sunday told a local news gathering agency, KNS, that all arrangements are in place to ensure free, fair, transparent and peaceful conduct of the first phase of municipal elections across Jammu and Kashmir tomorrow. He also made it clear that restrictions will not be imposed anywhere in Kashmir valley.
“Government forces comprising police and paramilitaries have been deployed in strength across Jammu and Kashmir particularly the parts of valley scheduled to go for polls tomorrow. Restrictions will not be imposed in any part of Kashmir valley,” KNS quoted DGP as saying.
