Adequate security measures to ensure free, fair polls to urban local bodies and panchayats: JK govt

The Jammu and Kashmir government Tuesday said it has taken adequate security measures to ensure free and fair polls to urban local bodies and panchayats in the state.

"We have made adequate arrangements for security for these polls. 400 companies of central forces will be deployed for these polls in addition to what we already have in the form of police and other paramilitary forces," state chief secretary B V R Subrahmanyam told reporters here.

He said the government will provide security to all the candidates who request for it and facilitate their campaigning as well.

"We have arranged accomodation for the candidates who want it at various places across the valley. We have arranged 300 hotel rooms in Srinagar for this purpose," the chief secretary said.

Asked about the post election security plan for the candidates, Subrahmanyam said, "We have even plans for those who win as they will be at a higher risk."
On the threat by militants to those who participate in the elections, Subrahmanyam said, "Militancy exists (but) that is being handled on the law and order front. There are threats... we are confident that we can handle it."