Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Sept 16: The Inspector General of Police Kashmir, V K Birdi, today said that elaborate security measures are in place for smooth conduct of Assembly elections in Kashmir with South Kashmir voting on Sept 18.
The Kashmir Police Chief told Excelsior: “I want to assure everyone that strong security measures have been put in place so that people can come out in large numbers to exercise their voting rights”.
“As the first phase of the elections is scheduled for September 18, covering nearly four districts of South Kashmir, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have made elaborate security arrangements,” he said.
Birdi said that personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, and State Executive Police, will be deployed with a multilayered security setup in place during the vote.
The Kashmir Police Chief said that area domination is also being conducted for smooth movement poll staff. Click here to watch video
“This applies to polling booths, polling locations, and distribution centers. Area dominations, especially Road Opening Parties (ROPs), have been conducted to ensure smooth movement, allowing polling staff and the public to reach their destinations on time and complete the polling process in a free, fair, and secure environment,” he said.
Asked about the recent encounter in North Kashmir, where three militants were killed, and whether they were planning to disrupt polling, the IPG said that it happened in North Kashmir, which will vote in the second phase, not the first.
“Security forces are always alert to act on intelligence inputs, and we completed the operation based on such inputs. Naturally, their intentions were not good, but security forces are vigilant to prevent such incidents, ensuring the elections are held in a free, fair, and secure manner,” he said.
Asked about allegations from some political parties that their workers are being summoned to police stations for old cases, Birdi said that it is important to keep an eye on individuals with criminal backgrounds to ensure a free and fair election.
“Monitoring such elements prevents them from disrupting the electoral process. These issues are being reported and closely monitored on a daily basis. Mischievous elements or those with criminal histories that could interfere with the poll process are being curbed,” he said.
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