Srinagar, Apr 20 (KNS): Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh said that the forces will ensure the smooth conduct of Anantnag Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to commence from Wednesday in three phases.

The polling for Anantnag Lok Sabha polls will be held in three phases – April 23, April 29, and May 6.

The DGP said that police and other security agencies are fully prepared for peaceful and smooth conduct of elections. “Force are alert and have made all preparations for the smooth Anantnag Lok Sabha elections,” he said.

Singh further said that the forces will also ensure security of poll officials during the election days.

He said that the priority would be to hold violence-free elections and all possible measures will be taken for this. “Police force and the intelligence wing have been kept on alert to combat any threat.”

The DGP told KNS that all the arrangements are being made, so that the polling process is not affected and the people can exercise their voting rights without fear. “The security of polling personnel and polling booths will be taken care of. Special patrolling will be carried out in the sensitive and hyper-sensitive areas,” he said.

“I can assure from the point of the police and the sister security agencies that we are on the ground and we are set to ensure that there is a peaceful election in south Kashmir. Any attempt to vitiate the electoral process would not be allowed” the DGP maintained.

The DGP stressed on greater synergy among different agencies deployed to be for election duties, saying that the coordination among all stakeholders would help to prevail a conducive atmosphere for the people to exercise their franchise.

He said that Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) has a rich experience in conducting the electoral process and the force along with other sister agencies would leave no stone unturned to conduct the election in a congenial atmosphere in this Lok Sabha seat.

“I am sure elections will pass on successfully and peacefully. I wish my officers on the ground all the very best. Given the past experience of JK police, they have sailed through difficult times and I am sure that the major event (polls) in south Kashmir will be successful.”

The DGP stressed whatever support in shape of logistic and manpower is required will be pooled and placed at the disposal for the smooth conduct of polls.

The DGP further told KNS that stern action will be taken against the elements that foment trouble and at the same time contingency plans will be ready to tackle any eventuality.

Meanwhile sources said that the security agencies in south Kashmir were busy conducting vulnerability mapping of booths and identifying of critical polling stations based on the past incidents of violence. (KNS)