Will ensure conducive atmosphere for Kashmir polls: DGP

Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) K. Rajendra Kumar said Thursday the police will ensure a conducive atmosphere for the assembly elections while adhering strictly to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.

Kumar who chaired a meeting of senior police officers here, said the smooth conduct of the election besides ensuring a peaceful atmosphere in the state is the top priority for the police.

He asked policemen to adhere strictly to the guidelines of the Election Commission.

The meeting was convened to discuss election preparedness in Jammu province.

The DGP sought reports from the officers present at the meeting about the deployment of state police and central para-military forces in different areas.

The meeting was told that constituencies have been categorized in different zones and sections and deployments made as per the requirement and sensitiveness of the area.

District, range and provincial level police officers informed the meeting that the security of the contesting candidates and the venues of public rallies has been secured. Safety measures for leaders arriving to campaign for their candidates are being reviewed on a regular basis.

The DGP laid stress on greater synergy among different forces and agencies deployed for election duties, pointing out that coordination between all stakeholders would help in building a conducive atmosphere for the people to exercise their franchise in.

The DGP emphasised on strengthening the communication network and connectivity for a quick response to any situation. He said private vehicles have been hired to provide mobility to the security forces.

He asked for smooth traffic management on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway and other routes to ensure free movement of candidates and people.