Command & Control

Security tight as South Kashmir heads for polls

By Alice Kok | 30 April 2009

As South Kashmir heads for the polls today, all roads leading to the parliamentary constituency were sealed off on the directions of Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda who reviewed security arrangements for the polls here on Wednesday evening (29th April 2009).

View photos

Related Articles

• Security tightened for red shirts rally in Thailand
• Security light as Indonesians head for the polls

Related Categories

• COMMAND & CONTROL

From this Section

• NEWS

Meanwhile, 20 persons received mild injuries during clashes with police at various places. Authorities have already imposed restrictions on public movement in order to thwart anti-election campaign that has been called by the pro-freedom groups.

As undeclared restrictions were imposed in Srinagar following the 50-hour shutdown called by Chairman of Hurriyat Conference (G) Syed Ali Geelani, Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khoda has instructed security agencies to remain alert in South Kashmir.

Convening a high level meeting of top security officials at Police Control Room, Srinagar, Khoda took stock of the final security arrangements for the polls and Darbar Move. During the review meeting the officials informed the Director General of Police (DGP) that elaborate security cover had been laid in South Kashmir to ensure the security of voters and polling staff.

The officials told him that security arrangements for the elections had been finalised. The DGP was also told that every step had been taken to ensure the security of voters.

Possible militant attack during the polls and strategies laid to tackle such incidents, if erupted, were discussed at length during the meeting. Troops are to remain on alert and use all resources to ensure security of sensitive polling booths in South Kashmir.

After reviewing the security arrangements, the DGP held another top level security meeting in South Kashmir in the wake of coming polls.

Meanwhile, fear loomed large in South Kashmir in the wake of strict security measures and possible militant attacks. Thousands of policemen, paramilitary troops and army personnel have been deputed in Pulwama, Islamabad, Kulgam and Shopian districts in South Kashmir.

Out of 74 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions, each had contributed at least three companies for poll duty. Border Security Force has allotted 30 companies for the purpose, while local army contingents would deal with emergency crisis.

The South Kashmir borders would be sealed and nobody would be allowed to come and go. Police are expected to maintain law and order, while CRPF and other paramilitary troops would guard polling stations. The army would be doing occasional patrols to evade militant attacks.

Meanwhile, at least 20 people were injured across Kashmir on Wednesday (29 April), day ahead of polls in South Kashmir’s Islamabad parliamentary constituency as authorities had placed severe restrictions and used force against youth who tried to stage anti-election protests.

All business establishments and educational institutions remained closed while transport remained off the roads due to the strike and severe restrictions. Movement of the people was strictly prohibited at important crossroads while curfew like situation prevailed in the city and district quarters.

So far, more than 60 pro-freedom leaders and activists have been arrested or put under house arrest to avoid them from carrying an election boycott campaign.