Baramulla admin geared up for free, fair elections: DEO

Baramulla, Mar 18: The top administrative officials in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday said they are prepared for the upcoming elections, with all necessary measures in place to ensure free and fair polls.
“The model code of conduct is now in effect, and guidelines have been shared with political parties outlining the do’s and don’ts to ensure free and fair elections,” said District Election Officer, Minga Sherpa.
Providing further details, the DEO and Deputy Commissioner announced that a total of 905 polling booths have been set up across 722 locations in Baramulla district. The district has a total of 715,000 eligible voters.
They said all necessary measures have been implemented across Baramulla, including the Sopore police district. The model code of conduct issued by the Election Commission is already in effect, and approximately 652 posters, banners, and wall hangings have been removed across the district in collaboration with the Baramulla and Sopore district police, the DEO said.
Similarly, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure said that in order to ensure a fear-free and inducement-free environment for the elections, the Jammu & Kashmir Police have intensified their efforts. He said strong measures have been implemented to encourage large-scale participation, allowing people to freely exercise their democratic rights.
“We are prepared to ensure that people feel comfortable and encouraged to come out of their homes,” the SSP said.
In response to a query, the SSP said the election-related deployment involves a high-level strategy. “A large contingent of Central Armed Police Forces has been requisitioned from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Additionally, personnel from the Jammu & Kashmir Police and the State Armed Police are being deployed,” he said.
Security checkpoints and inspections have been intensified, and measures are being taken to curb individuals who incite fear among the masses, Nagpure said, adding that action has been taken against such miscreants, and efforts are underway to prevent the circulation of drugs, cash, and liquor as inducements.
“The aim is to ensure that no political party or individual resorts to inducement or fear tactics. We will ensure peaceful and violence-free elections,” the SSP said.
Responding to another question, the SSP said all the polling stations across the district have been categorised as critical, taking into account the security scenario, past incidents and the proximity to the Line of Control with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). “Strong measures have been implemented accordingly,” he added.