IGP Kashmir chairs security & election review meeting

The meeting held at range police headquarters in Anantnag was attended by DIG SKR Anantnag Javid Iqbal Matoo, Commander Ist Sector, DIG CRPF Awantipora/Anantnag, DIG BSF, DIG ITBP and all SSsP of the South Kashmir range and other senior officers.The meeting aimed to review the overall security arrangements put in place in the South Kashmir range for the phase one elections, a statement said.

DIG SKR Anantnag gave a detailed outline of the security arrangements, camping locations for CAPF Coys, location of polling booths & strong rooms and the security measures undertaken in the districts of South Kashmir. The induction of CAPF Coys and the logistic arrangements made for CAPF Coys were also reviewed. Special focus was laid on security of polling booths and strong rooms.

IGP Kashmir emphasised the need for close coordination with all the security agencies and directed that proactive measures may be taken to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of electoral process. He also directed the officers to maintain close vigil on anti-national elements and also ensure safe and secure moment of security forces on National-Highways.

IGP Kashmir also visited various camping locations of incoming CAPF Companies in district Anantnag and took stock of the arrangements on-ground. He passed on spot directions with respect to providing adequate facilities for the officers and jawans of CAPF.

The visit concluded with a comprehensive review of the strategies and action plans devised to ensure peaceful conduct of elections.

Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. The counting will be done on October 8.

There are a total number of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir, out of which 7 seats are reserved for SCs and 9 seats are reserved for STs.

These are the first assembly elections to be held in Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370.

In the previous Assembly elections, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) won 15, and the Congress won 12. (ANI)