Kashmir polls

600 companies comprise multi-tier security grid in Kashmir

Ravi Krishnan Khajuria

Tribune News Service

Jammu, November 4:

A massive multi-tier security grid comprising the central police forces and police has been finalised to ensure violence-free elections in the strife-torn Jammu and Kashmir. At least 538 companies of the central police forces, 60 to 70 companies of the police and armed police will be deployed. Though the Rashtriya Rifles of the Army would not be directly associated in the electoral process, it would certainly play its role in the security grid.

Talking to The Tribune, K Rajindera, IGP Jammu zone, said every aspect of seven-phase elections from campaigning to polling and safety of political leaders, especially the contesting candidates has been minutely discussed.
It may be mentioned here that a large number of security forces have already arrived in the state.
Rajindera said since the election would be held in two-month period, security forces would be moving around as per requirements. Sources said contesting candidates in militancy infested areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, and Udhampur districts have also been issued an advisory apprising them about dos and don'ts.
Apart from the central police forces, services of special operations group, special police officers and village defence committees too would be utilised, they added. Similarly adequate security arrangements would be made for employees deputed on poll duties, the IGP said.
Meanwhile, DGP Kuldeep Khoda took stock of the security arrangements in a high-level meeting.
Sources said, the DGP asked the senior officers to pay special attention to sensitive polling stations.