High alert as Kashmir readies for last phase of polling

After ensuring a peaceful, incident-free four phases of the assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities Friday sounded high alert in the Jammu region where 20 constituencies go to polls tomorrow in the fifth and final phase.

"Yes, we are taking no chances with security arrangements for the fifth and final phase of elections tomorrow (Saturday). Around 500 companies of central paramilitary forces have been deployed on ground to secure polling stations and provide a secure atmosphere to voters in the three districts going to polls," a senior police officer told IANS.

"This is in addition to already deployed police and paramilitary forces on ground in these districts," he added.

Sources told IANS that Border Security Force (BSF) deployed on the international border in Jammu, Kathua districts and Samba districts have been put on maximum alert.

"Army deployed on the LoC in Rajouri and parts of Jammu district has also been put on maximum alert," administration sources said.

As many as 11 constituencies out of 20 going to polls Saturday are close to the borders in Jammu, Kathua and Rajouri.

Election Commission sources told IANS all the poll staff and security forces deployed for the poll process have reached 2,366 polling stations in the 20 constituencies.