Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections in the Jammu-Reasi parliamentary constituency, stringent security measures are being implemented with the identification of 372 polling stations as sensitive areas. The Election Commission’s decision comes amidst the backdrop of the delimitation of Lok Sabha seats following Jammu and Kashmir’s transition into a Union Territory.
In Rajouri district’s Sunderbani-Kalakot constituency alone, 102 out of 124 polling stations have been flagged as sensitive, underscoring the heightened security concerns in the region. Similarly, 53 out of 1,488 polling stations in Jammu district and 16 out of 425 in Reasi district have been designated as sensitive areas.
With the onset of elections in the Union Territory for the first time, authorities are gearing up for robust security deployment across the parliamentary constituency, especially in areas marked as sensitive. Security forces are slated to commence their duties from April 1, ensuring comprehensive coverage to mitigate potential threats, including the risk of Pakistani shelling along the border.
In addition to fortifying sensitive polling stations, measures are being taken to thwart any disruptive activities by anti-national elements in certain areas. The administration has devised a comprehensive security plan, deploying special armed security forces, along with personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, to maintain law and order throughout the electoral process.
In Reasi district, where 2,34,706 voters are registered, stringent security arrangements will be enforced, with a deployment of 13 companies of special armed security forces and 44 companies of armed security personnel. Jammu district will witness the deployment of three thousand police personnel, 496 sections of armed security forces, and 41 companies of special armed security forces to ensure a peaceful voting environment.
With 11,78,431 registered voters in Jammu district alone, and additional voters in Samba and Rajouri districts, authorities are leaving no stone unturned to guarantee the safety and security of voters and election officials alike. As the electoral machinery gears up for the polling day, efforts are underway to uphold the democratic process and uphold the integrity of the electoral system in Jammu and Kashmir.
