KL Report
SRINAGAR
In view of chances of clashes between supporters of rival parties on the day of counting, scheduled on Tuesday, the administration has decided to adopt multi-tier security arrangements and impose section 144 in and around all the counting centers.
Divisional commissioner Kashmir Rohit Kansal said that all required steps have been taken to maintain law and order near the strong room at the counting centre. “All the Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to make the arrangements for the day in accordance with the guidelines of Election Commission of India,” he told KNS and added that section 144 will be in place in and around all the counting centers.
About the arrangements for counting and security measures taken by the authorities, the Div com said that three-tier security will be in place at the counting centers to avoid any untoward incidents. “Apart from ensuring safety arrangements we have called a meet of candidates of different parties and have issued directives for their supporters to be followed on counting day,” he added.
Meanwhile, sources said that on Sunday morning, Chief electoral Officer Umeg Narula inspected the different counting centers in Kashmir valley where the votes would be counted. “Every Assembly segment will be having around 10 tables and each table will have a counting supervisor, counting assistant, counting agents and a micro observer. Only after the outcome of a round of counting is announced will the next round of counting begin,” they said.
Sources said that, the first step of security near the counting venue would be under district police while the second and third step of security would be manned by personnel of CRPF.
They informed extra vigil is being ensured in view of chances of close contest and heightened tension between supporters of the political parties. “Apart from the three-tier security in place, additional police personnel have been deployed. Security has been beefed up and all visitors and their vehicles will be subjected to thorough checking,” police sources said.
They said that special vehicles have been assigned duty at the counting centres. Traffic police have also been asked to maintain and supervise the parking outside the counting centre.
One of the senior police officer said that the main aim of police is to maintain peace, law and order on the day of results. Proper arrangements are being made to ensure that counting is done properly.”
Meanwhile, Divisional commissioner Jammu Shantamanu said that all the necessary arrangements have been made for the peaceful counting in the Jammu region. “All the arrangements have been finalized and besides it adequate security will be in place in and around the counting centers on counting day,” he said and added that no one will be allowed to disturb the counting.
