CAPF companies arrive, all set for elections: CEO Pole

Srinagar, Apr 04: As the first phase of LokSabha elections approaches, security arrangements have been significantly bolstered across Jammu and Kashmir. Additional security personnel have been deployed along highways and vital road links to preempt any untoward incidents, according to officials.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, PK Pole told Rising Kashmir emphasized the commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections. He stated that preparations are underway, with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) companies having arrived to support security efforts.
“We are committed to conducting free, fair, transparent, peaceful, and incident-free elections. The right to vote is a fundamental constitutional right for citizens, and everyone should exercise this right,” he said.
Pole said 70 percent training for polling staff has been completed and rest will be completed within days. People should use their right to cast the vote and participate in the largest democracy and take active part in the elections, he said.
“New voters can approach the Booth Level Officer (BLO) in their locality to fill out Form 6 with the required documents. They can participate and if they are 18 years of age,” CEO Pole said.
While security intensified in Jammu and Kashmir. There is deployment across the highway and vital junctions have been completed.
A police official said that multiple checkpoints have been placed along the Srinagar-Jammu highway to monitor to keep track of the commuters. Frisking is being intensified along the major spots on the highway,” he said.
The CAPFs for deployment include the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), SashastraSeemaBal (SSB), and National Security Guard (NSG). These forces already arrived in the Jammu and Kashmir region by April 1, 2024.
“The deployment of CAPF personnel will not only provide security at polling stations but also assist local police in maintaining law and order in areas prone to disturbances,” the official said.
“There will be round-the-clock patrolling of yatra routes by forces personnel during daytime and through 360-degree camera-fitted Mobile Bunker Vehicles (MBVs).
In Srinagar, police and paramilitary forces have established barricades at multiple locations in the city, as well as in other major towns, to facilitate vehicle inspections.
“Random searches of cars and motorcycles are being conducted to thwart any subversive plans by potential terrorists,” he added.
Earlier this week, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law & Order, Vijay Kumar, who is also State Police Nodal officer (SPNO) for parliament election 2024 chaired a crucial high-level meeting at Police Control Room (PCR) to assess and enhance the preparedness for the electoral process.
The meeting focused on various aspects crucial for ensuring the smooth conduct of elections in Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting revolved around bolstering security arrangements, particularly emphasizing on-site security measures and conduction of smooth polls.
“Plans for preparing safe routes for the movement of electoral personnel and facilitating the security personnel deployed for election duties were precisely deliberated upon to ensure their safety and efficiency throughout the electoral process.
“Special measures for Critical polling locations were identified and strategies were devised to ensure heightened security measures at these key sites to deal with any potential threats and maintain the sanctity of the electoral process,” the police spokesman said.
The LokSabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in seven phases. The first phase will be held on April 19, second phase on April 26, third phase on May 7, the fourth phase on May 13, fifth phase on May 20, sixth phase on May 25 and the seventh phase on June 1, 2024.