Kashmir: Tight security arrangements for Apr 24 bypoll

Srinagar, Apr 9: Elaborate security arrangement have been put in place for April 24 by-elections in Pattan, Sangrama and Rafiabad Assembly constituencies of north Kashmir's Baramulla district.

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Gopal Sharma reviwed the security arrangements at a high-level meeting at Sopore last evening.

Mr Sharma stressed for upgrading the security of candidates and voters so that free and peaceful by-elections to all the three seats were held.

The condition should be created as such that the candidates could campaign without hindrances and move freely in their constituencies, he added.

The DGP also took stock of the situation and discussed in detail the circumstances which led to the killing of two councillors and a political worker by the militants recently in Sopore and Baramulla.

He emphasised upon the officials to speed up the investigation process so that culprits were brought to book at the earliest.

Mr Sharma said extra alertness was needed to be adopted and put in place to defeat and frustrate the evil designs of the elements inimical to peace and democratic process in the state.

Speaking at the meeting, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kashmir K Rajendra Kumar said effective surveillance and timely feedback was key to pre-empt any untoward incident and defeat the evil designs of anti-national elements who were hell-bent upon disturbing peace and retarding the democratic process in the Valley.

All efforts would be made to provide security to the voters so that they could exercise their franchise without any fear, he said, adding the security and the safety of the contesting candidates was the top priority of security forces.

UNI