Comprehensive security measures in place for Valley seats: IGP Kashmir

Srinagar, May 10L: Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir, Vidhi Kumar Birdi Friday said that comprehensive security measures had been put in place ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, the IGP Kashmir said that elaborate arrangements, including inter-district checkpoints and heightened area domination, had been finalised to ensure peaceful and smooth polling with a high turnout of voters.

“We have made all necessary security arrangements to ensure the safety and security of voters and polling staff. The inter-district checkpoints have been upgraded and area domination efforts have been intensified,” V K Birdi said.

He said that the Police along with Central Armed Police Forces had taken measures to strengthen security deployment as per the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India (ECI).

“We are following the ECI guidelines in the letter and ensuring that security arrangements are foolproof,” he said.

The Police chief of Kashmir said that stringent security measures would be implemented during all three phases of the Lok Sabha elections in Kashmir, scheduled for May 13, May 19, and May 25 for the Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies.

He said that frisking operations and area domination would be further intensified in the coming days to prevent any disruptions by anti-peace elements.

The assurance of robust security arrangements aims to instil confidence among the voters and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

Official records reveal that Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam districts have a total of 1776 polling stations.

Of these, a staggering 1650 have been identified as critical, requiring heightened security measures.

Srinagar district tops the list with 925 polling stations of which 873 have been classified as critical. Budgam district has 638 polling stations with most of them falling under the critical category.

Ganderbal district, with 213 polling stations, has 166 polling stations considered critical.

The categorisation of polling stations as critical indicates a higher risk of security incidents or disruptions during the electoral process.

Security forces have geared up to ensure the safety and security of voters, polling staff, and election materials in these sensitive areas.

Officials said that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has been working closely with local authorities to implement robust security measures and maintain a peaceful environment for polling.

Stringent security protocols, including increased surveillance and deployment of additional forces, are being put in place to prevent any untoward incidents.