Ishtiyaq Kar
Srinagar, Mar 09 (KNS): In anticipation of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission has commenced the process for the deployment of Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) companies in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
The initiation of the pre-poll deployment underscores the Election Commission's commitment to maintaining law and order and facilitating a conducive environment for free and fair elections in the Union Territory.
With the looming Lok Sabha elections, preparations have been set in motion in Jammu and Kashmir to ensure adequate security measures and logistical arrangements.
“The deployment of CAPF companies is a crucial aspect of election preparedness, aimed at securing sensitive and hyper-sensitive constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir. These companies, comprising trained personnel, will play a pivotal role in safeguarding polling stations, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), Strong Rooms, and other election-related infrastructure .These measures seek to facilitate a conducive environment for citizens to exercise their democratic rights without fear or intimidation,” an official aware of the matter told news agency KNS.
The Election Commission, expected to announce poll dates in a few days, has given its approval for the deployment of 635 CAPF companies in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.
Each CAPF company consists of approximately 100 personnel. The deployment is strategically planned to secure sensitive and hyper-sensitive constituencies in the region.
Responsibility for monitoring the deployment of paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir rests with the CEO, while Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order will serve as the Special Police Nodal Officer.
Notably sources claimed that security forces engaged in counterterrorism operations and security duties will also participate in poll-related duties, underlining the multifaceted nature of security arrangements during the elections.
The Election Commission, in a communication to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), had underscored the importance of CAPF deployment for various poll-related duties, including area domination, confidence-building measures, and ensuring the security of EVMs and counting centers. The Commission has approved the phased deployment of around 3,400 CAPF companies across all states and Union Territories to facilitate free, fair, and peaceful elections.
Meanwhile, as per the reports, the Election Commission, led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, is scheduled to visit Jammu and Kashmir on March 12 and 13.
During this visit, top officials and stakeholders, including representatives from national and regional political parties, will engage in discussions regarding security assessments and election preparedness.
The Commission aims to ensure maximum turnout and transparency in the electoral process, including exploring the possibility of conducting Assembly elections in the Union Territory.
Jammu and Kashmir is slated to receive the second-highest number of CAPF companies for the Parliamentary polls, indicative of the significance attached to ensuring security and smooth conduct of elections in the region.
The forthcoming visit by the Election Commission underscores the commitment to conducting free, fair, and transparent elections, reflecting the democratic ethos of the nation. (KNS)