Checkpoints set up across Kashmir, 30 in Srinagar alone; ‘securing’ poll-bound areas key strategy; ADGP Khan reiterates ‘not possible to provide security to every contestant’
Srinagar, October 4:
The upcoming panchayat and urban local bodies elections are not going to be a cakewalk but we are ready to face all challenges, additional director general of police Munir Khan said on Tuesday, even as massive frisking operations have been started by the forces across Srinagar and elsewhere “to ensure foolproof security” ahead of the polls beginning October 8.
Talking to Greater Kashmir, Khan, the ADGP for law and order/security, said: “It’s not going to be a cakewalk. We do expect some trouble vis-à-vis law and order. Militants may also try to disrupt polling at some places, but we are ready to face things.” He was responding to a query whether the police expect any trouble during the elections.
“These polls are being held to take governance to grassroots and are completely different from the assembly and parliament elections. In the assembly or Parliament polls, we ensure each contesting candidate gets a security cover as their number can be counted on fingertips. But as far as the ULB and panchayat polls are concerned, providing security cover to every individual is not possible.”
He said the number of contestants in the civic polls is “much more” than seen in the assembly or Parliament elections.
Khan said that a “joint security strategy” was worked out by the police and the Central Reserve Police Force where it was decided to “secure” all areas where the polling will take place.
“So we requested for some additional reinforcements since the event is extraordinary. It is like whenever we have a VIP function, a rally by a chief minister or a visit of a union minister, extra security arrangements are made,” he said. “Similarly, the civic polls are taking place after a long gap, so we have worked out a security plan for smooth conduct of the polls.”
The ADGP said that the security plan for upcoming ULB and panchayat polls will remain in place for at least 60 days.
“Under this plan, the police along with the central forces would secure areas while night patrolling shall also be conducted,” Khan said. “We have to ensure a secure atmosphere for candidates to contest freely and for voters to vote without any fear.”
Khan said that 203 additional companies of central forces will be deployed for the polls. “Besides, the police will have a double role: face law and order, and ensure security of polling booths as well,” he said.
Meanwhile, the police and CRPF have established at least 30 checkpoints at several places in Srinagar—especially from Ram Munshibagh to Amira Kadal, and from Batamaloo to Dalgate—ahead of the elections. Elsewhere in Kashmir areas, police and forces from other security agencies have established checkpoints on roads and highways, according to witnesses.
At these checkpoints, bikers are particularly stopped and asked to show their identity cards and other documents.
The ADGP Khan said these points have been set up to “keep an eye on suspects.”
“This is a must because we are left with only few days for the start of ULB polls,” he said.
The four-phased ULB polls will commence from October 8 while the nine-phased panchayat polls will start from November 8. According to officials, 1697291 electors are eligible to vote in 1145 municipal wards across the state.
The National Conference and PDP have decided to stay away from the poll process, citing “assault” on Article 35-A which has been challenged in the Supreme Court. The Congress however has decided to join the poll fray “to not give BJP a field day.”
Courtesy: Greater Kashmir
