Srinagar: A small sand bunker has been put at Lal Bazar here even as deployments of paramilitary CRPF and police have been placed in strength across the length and breadth of the Valley, a day ahead of the first phase of the civic polls in the state.
Reports said government forces have intensified checking and area domination as part of a plan for the smooth conduct of elections in the Valley, officials said.
A senior police officer said that an elaborate security plan has been put in place for the smooth conduct of the elections.
As part of the security plan, the officer said check posts have been erected and forces have intensified vehicle checking, frisking and area domination in the city as well as in the other areas of the valley in the run up to the elections.
Many check-points have been placed in the city where vehicles are being checked. Sniffer dogs were also used to check vehicles in city centre here.
The officer said that most of the candidates have been taken to secure locations and some have been given a security cover.
Official sources said the areas where the candidates belong are being made safe through operations and increased presence of forces as well as through area domination.
Governor Satya Pal Malik on weekend took a detailed review of the security situation in the state ahead of the first phase of the municipal elections.
The meeting was attended by Northern Army Commander, Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh, GOC 15 Corps, Lt Gen A K Bhat, and top officials from police, CRPF and civil administration.
The meeting discussed security arrangements made for the smooth conduct of the forthcoming elections to urban local bodies and panchayats and the need of a safe environment for the elections.
“After obtaining sector- wise assessments of the prevailing security situation and arising challenges Governor emphasized the crucial importance of maintaining a sustained close watch on the ground situation and appreciated the sustained real-time coordination and synergy between the Security Forces and the Civil Administration,” an official spokesman said here.
“Considering the pattern of attempts to disturb law and order in the past few days Governor especially stressed the need of a heightened vigil and ensuring the safety of protected persons and the security of all important establishments and installations,” the spokesman added.
