Jammu, Aug 29: Over 300 additional companies of paramilitary forces will be deployed in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the three-phase assembly elections commencing from September 18 in the union territory, officials said on Thursday.
According to the officials, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Jammu-Kathua range, Shiv Kumar Sharma arrived at the Police Reception Centre (PRC) at Bari Brahmna Railway Station on Wednesday night to welcome the arriving forces.
DIG Sharma assessed the accommodation facilities for the paramilitary forces and briefed the officers on the sensitivity and importance of their duties, emphasizing full cooperation with local police forces, the officials said.
Accompanied by senior officers, the DIG also addressed concerns raised by the security personnel, assuring them of prompt resolution, they added.
These paramilitary forces will be stationed across Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts to maintain security during the assembly elections in the union territory.
“Their duties will include conducting sanitization operations and reinforcing the anti-terrorism grid to prevent any potential disruptions from terrorist activities, particularly in light of recent attacks in the Jammu region over the past few months,” sources said.
Three-phase polls are scheduled to start on September 18. “Under the guidelines of the Election Commission of India, we are committed to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process. The deployment of forces will be over and above the arrangements made during the Lok Sabha elections earlier this year,” the official said, wishing not to be named
The source also said that sufficient personnel are expected to be deployed to protect candidates and maintain peace during the election campaign and voting process.
“The security arrangements are being carefully crafted with an emphasis on safeguarding both candidates and voters throughout the election,” the officials maintained.
Sources further revealed that authorities are working closely with district security officials to ensure that the security apparatus is robust and tailored to the specific needs of each area.
“A comprehensive security blueprint is being developed to fortify polling stations based on their sensitivity,” explained a security source. “Standard operating procedures (SOPs) will be implemented to address potential emergencies, and surveillance efforts will be ramped up to monitor individuals with a history of disruptive behavior.”
In addition to physical security measures, officials are also focusing on preventing the misuse of social media platforms, which could be exploited to disturb the elections. Vigilant monitoring and swift action will be part of the strategy to curb any efforts by anti-national elements to incite violence or subversive activities.
As part of the overall plan, police control rooms (PCRs) across Jammu and Kashmir will be strengthened to enhance communication and reporting channels.
“The focus is on maintaining heightened security to thwart any attempts by disruptive forces to interfere with the democratic process,” the source added.
Looking back at the successful conduct of the Parliamentary elections earlier this year, security officials remain confident that with the enhanced preparations in place, the upcoming Assembly elections will proceed smoothly.
“We are leaving nothing to chance,” stated a senior police officer involved in the planning. “The safety and security of the candidates, voters, and the integrity of the electoral process remain our top priority.”
