Srinagar, Aug 20: Ahead of polls, 300 paramilitary companies have been deployed in Kashmir.
Centre has so far deployed nearly 300 companies of paramilitary forces for election duties in the Kashmir valley, officials said.
The companies have been deputed in Srinagar, Handwara, Ganderbal, Budgam, Kupwara, Baramulla, Bandipora, Anantnag, Shopian, Pulwama, Awantipora, and Kulgam, they said, as per PTI news agency.
As many as 298 companies of paramilitary forces, including Central Reserve Police Force, Border Security Force, Sahastra Seema Bal, and Indo-Tibetan Border Police, have been deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the assembly polls in the Kashmir valley, they added.
According to officials, Srinagar has got the maximum number of companies (55), followed by Anantnag (50), Kulgam (31), Budgam, Pulwama, and Awantipora police districts (24 each), Shopian (22), Kupwara (20), Baramulla (17), Handwara 15, Bandipora 13, and Ganderbal (3).
“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.”
