Srinagar, March 06 (KNO) : Day after the two-day long marathon visit of full team of Election Commission of India that threw enough hints that both—Lok Sabha and Parliamentary polls may be held together in Jammu and Kashmir, the State police has started a comprehensive home work to formulate a security plan for ensuring a smooth and incident free polls, a top police official told KNO.
The official said that police and other heads of various security agencies briefed the ECI about the prevailing situation, the challenges and the shortcomings during the meetings held in Srinagar and Jammu respectively.
ECI that arrived on a two-day visit March 4 to gauge the mood about holding polls that are due in the strife-torn state, in a jam-packed presser in Jammu stated that the unanimous consensus in J&K was that the parliamentary and Assembly polls be held together.
National Conference, Congress, PDP, BJP, and also the independent leaders pitched for simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. The ECI, however, admitted that in Jammu and Kashmir State, there were law and order and security related challenges in certain constituencies and they “were fully mindful about that.”
Talking to KNO, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) law and order, security, Munir Ahmed Khan said that police are working on a security plan for creating a smooth and secure environment for polls. “ECI is the final authority to take a call on holding polls. Our job is to create a peaceful atmosphere and a sense of security among the people of State so that they would without any fear or intimidation,” Khan said.
At least 11000 additional forces have reached Srinagar as part from 100 additional companies that includes 3500 BSF men, CRPF men and also the ITBP and Sahastra Seema Bal. Police had claimed that the arrival of 100 additional companies were called in for the election purpose.
Sources said once the security plan for polls would be finalised, the State may requested for 300 more additional companies given the sensitivities involved in the trouble-ravaged State. “The final call will, however, be taken once the ECI announces decision in the days ahead in New Delhi,” sources told KNO.