STATE TIMES NEWS
SRINAGAR: To scuttle the 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 on Sunday said that all required steps have been taken to maintain law and order near the strong rooms at the counting centres. “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 a Srinagar based news agency, adding 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 Divisional Commissioner said that three-tier security will be in place at the counting centers to avoid any untoward incident. “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, quoting sources, the agency reported that on Sunday morning, Chief Electoral Officer Umang 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.
Sources informed that 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,” agency quoted sources saying.
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 is reported to have told the agency 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 talking to the agency, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Shantmanu said that all the necessary arrangements have been made for the peaceful counting in the Jammu region. “All the arrangements have been finalised 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.