Srinagar, Mar 20: In preparation for the LokSabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities have announced the deployment of over 60,000 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) personnel. According to officials, these forces are scheduled to arrive in advance starting from April 1.
A senior official from the J&K administration revealed that the Election Commission of India has sanctioned the deployment of 63,500 CAPF personnel to facilitate the smooth conduct of elections in the Union Territory.
The CAPFs slated 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). Deployment of these forces is set to commence from April 1, 2024.
“The deployment of CAPF personnel is aimed at providing security at polling stations and supporting local police in maintaining law and order, especially in areas prone to disturbances,” the official stated.
A significant portion of the CAPF contingent will be stationed in grey zones of the region, with induction training planned regarding their posting areas.
“All necessary arrangements have been made for their accommodation, with 80 percent of CAPF personnel to be stationed near local police stations to assist during polling days,” the official added.
The arrival of CAPF personnel is anticipated to begin in April and conclude by April 7. Additional companies of CAPFs will be deployed in Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Jammu region, given the significant terrorist activities witnessed in the area last year.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole (P K Pole), confirmed that CAPF personnel will be stationed in Rajouri and Poonch districts to ensure security, with ongoing coordination with the ECI.
The LokSabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in multiple phases. The Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary constituency will have voting in the first phase on April 19, followed by the Jammu-Reasi seat on April 26. In the third phase on May 7, people in the Anantnag-Poonch-Rajouri (APR) area will cast their votes. Srinagar Parliamentary seat is scheduled for voting in the fourth phase on May 13, while the Baramulla seat will follow in the fifth phase on May 20.
Additionally, Ladakh, previously part of Jammu and Kashmir, will also have its single Parliamentary seat up for voting in the fifth phase, alongside the Baramulla constituency, on May 20.
