Jehangir Lolabi
Kupwara : With little over a week to go for the first phase of polls to parliamentary election, government forces have increased frisking and random searches for “peaceful” elections in this north Kashmir district.
The frontier district along with Baramulla and Bandipora is going to polls in the first phase on April 11 and there are nine candidates in the fray. The main contest for Baramulla Lok Sabha seat is going to be among Muhammad Akbar Lone of the National Conference (NC), Raja Aijaz Ali of the Peoples Conference (PC) and Abdul Qayoom Wani of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Reports said that army’s 28, 18, 41 RR, 160 TA and other units are continuously carrying frisking and searches in entire Kupwara area, particularly in Lolab belt.
Besides frisking, army and other government forces are also carrying out random searches in the area and according to a senior army officer, it is being done to ensure peaceful atmosphere for the elections.
“All arrangements are in place for smooth and peaceful conduct of the elections and we are confident that people will exercise their franchise without any fear,” the officer said.
A police officer said that security situation in the entire district is peaceful and “all agencies working in coordination” to ensure polls are conducted in free and amicable atmosphere in the district. (GNS)
