The prevailing security scenario along the Line of Control (LoC) in the wake of border tension may force Home Ministry to rethink its force deployment plans approved in August as Election Commission discusses likely polls in November-December in Jammu and Kashmir. Along with
J and K, Jharkhand is also slated for elections. The security scenario along the LoC has changed compared to August when troop deployment took place. At that time Union Home Ministry was willing to deploy 80,000 troops of para-military forces for election duties. There are indications that the government also does not want to disturb troop deployment all along the border. Under such circumstances Election Commission will have to go for staggered polls over a long duration and additional phases in not only in J and K but also in Jharkhand. There is a possibility elections in J and K may stretch over 25 days to a month. In any case final call on poll schedule will be taken after Union Home Secretary Anil Goswami reaches New Delhi after his two day visit to J and K. In 2008 Election Commission officials had voiced major concerns about the security given the calls for boycott and protest from separatist leaders and the violence over Amarnath land transfer controversy. Voting was staggered so that security forces could maintain control. Thousands of security forces were deployed during the voting. In Srinagar, security forces were posted at junctions, patrolled the streets and guarded polling stations. Stringent measures were taken to enforce law and order, gatherings of more than five people had been banned and neighbourhood were sealed off with steel barricades. This was essentially done to thwart the nefarious designs of anti-national elements to thwart the democratic process. Such a challenge is this time as well. And, therefore, there is greater need for maintaining vigil to see through the process of elections.
