April 22
The Government of India has decided to deploy 300 additional companies of security forces for the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls in the southern Kashmir spread over four districts.
South Kashmir which has witnessed an escalation in Anti India protests after 2016 will be going to polls in three phases starting tomorrow, on Tuesday. Comprehensive and elaborate security measures will remain in place.
Electoral officials say that in south Kashmir districts, there are more challenges on the security front compared to the northern or central districts of the Valley.
A Security official said that a double-layer security protection has been planned for 300 identified locations.
Quick Reaction Teams (of CRPF) are already on alert mode while as area domination and night patrolling in areas going to polls has been intensified. The CRPF has also started patrolling through its mobile vehicle check-posts while as nakas have been established at various entry and exit points.
At least 300 additional companies of forces will be deployed in southern districts of Pulwama, Islamabad (Anantnag), Kulgam and Shopian from April 23 onwards.
Pertinently each company has 100 odd men, so 30,000 additional men will be deployed for polls in South Kashmir.