Election preparations are in full swing in J-K

Jammu/Leh, Nov 13 : Security has been beefed up and election preparations are in place in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the seven-phased elections beginning from November 17.

Border Security Force (BSF) in Jammu has increased night patrolling following the ongoing election process and increasing infiltration bid along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC).

"We are completely alert and vigilant. We have increased our security forces for patrolling in the border area. More surveillance equipments are being bought and our intelligence network is also upgraded. We have foiled four to five serious bids of infiltrations," said Vineet Kumar, Commandant 91 Battalion BSF.

Latest electronic gadgets have been installed by the BSF to observe movement across the border especially during night.

"Since the election has been declared in Jammu and Kashmir, we have upgraded our strength. We are also getting in touch with various agencies. We get good coordination and support from battalions and have good links. We are also planning how to foil infiltration attempts in view of the forthcoming elections with additional troops from our BSF headquarter," said S. Surrolia, Inspector General BSF.

Meanwhile, Election Officer of the Leh district, Ajeet Kumar Sahu recently convened a zonal meeting with the concerned authorities to ensure strict maintenance of law and order for conducting a free and fair poll.

Sahu later briefed reporters about the various arrangements made at the polling booths in the district.

He stressed upon the authorities to keep close liaison for conduct of a fair poll in the two constituencies of Leh and Nobra.

"We have made all the arrangements at the poling stations. We have arranged everything including water, electricity and furniture plus we have also tried to arrange services regarding health problems. While training our employees as well we kept various health issues in mind and preventive measures to deal with cold were also taught. Ramps have also been built at some polling booths so that disabled people don't face any problem."

About 129 government authorities and locals were being trained for use of Electronic voting machines (EVM) in the elections.

Leh, Kargil and Bandipora regions that receive heavy snowfall during the winter season have been included in the first phase of elections.

Campaigning for the first phase of polling will end on November 15.

The seven-phase polling in the state will end on December 24 to replace the central rule imposed after a Congress party-led coalition government fell in July over Amarnath shrine land transfer row.

Separatists have said they will boycott any state election.

ANI