Srinagar: The BJP-led Indian government has imposed stringent measures in the name of security in Islamabad, Kulgam, Shopian, Rajouri and Poonch districts of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir ahead of another round of sham Indian parliamentary elections in the territory.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Islamabad-Rajouri parliamentary constituency comprising Islamabad, Kulgam and Shopian districts of Kashmir Valley and Rajouri and Poonch districts of Jammu region will go to polls in the sixth phase on Saturday (tomorrow).
Additional Indian forces’ personnel have been deployed in Islamabad, Kulgam and Shopian districts where the troops have intensified search operations and area domination as well as increased patrolling. Surveillance has also been significantly enhanced, with public movements being closely monitored.
“The security arrangements are the most extensive we have ever put in place for an election in south Kashmir,” a senior police officer said.
Similarly, such arrangements have been bolstered all across the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri. Over one hundred and fifty companies of Central Armed Paramilitary Force (CAPF) besides other forces’ personnel have been inducted in these districts.
Indian army troops and Special Operations Group of police are also dominating all the upper reaches, hilltops and other sensitive locations in the twin districts. Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs) have also been deployed at various locations.
In addition to carrying out search operations, the troops are conducting long-range area domination patrols and route marches in Rajouri and Poonch districts.
Pertinently, the Indian officials claim that the deployment of additional forces’ personnel and enhancement of surveillance are aimed at ensuring security and peaceful polling in the constituency. But those closely watching the situation in IIOJK opine that this all is meant to browbeat and intimidate the Kashmiris and make them vote for those candidates who are toeing the Hindutva line in the territory. Notably, the BJP, for fear of suffering heavy defeat, has not fielded its own candidates in any of the three seats in the Muslim majority region of Kashmir, instead, it is supporting its proxy parties in the region.
