Srinagar, May 03 (KNS): The crackdown on youth in south Kashmir is “purely a precautionary measure” and part of an election exercise undertaken to ensure free and fair polls in south Kashmir, said Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh.

Security forces have launched a massive crackdown on youth in south Kashmir, where Lok Sabha elections are to be held on May 6 in Pulwama and Shopian districts.

Officials said hundreds of youth have been arrested in police raids and many may face the Public Safety Act.

However, DGP Dilbagh Singh while talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) said that only those youth have been arrested who have a history of stone pelting and involved in law and order cases. “These are nothing but temporary measures to keep the security situation in control during the elections. Those who have history and are involved in law and order cases have been taken into preventive detention,” Singh said.

In the past three days, officials said nearly 200 youth have been detained in wake of the elections.

For over 5.22 lakh electors, election authorities have established 695 polling stations in Shopian and Pulwama districts, where voting will take place between 7 am and 4 pm on May 6.

The Shopian’s district administration has put in place Section 144 of the CrPC in the district from Friday for a period of one month "to maintain peace and tranquillity in public life and to avoid danger to life and property".

According to the order, no assembly or congregation shall be allowed without the prior permission of the district magistrate. (KNS)