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ELECTIONS '96

Poll officials provided high security in Srinagar

Mukhtar Ahmad in Srinagar

Polling in Kashmir requires extra-ordinary arrangements. And so do polling staff, the state government proved on Monday.

The 4,000 designated poll officials, who arrived in Srinagar on Monday morning, have been shifted to high security hotels.

This follows the boycott call by various employees unions and the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference. The Shoorai-Jehad, a frontline militant conglomerate, had threatened poll officials with dire consequences if they participated in the process. However, the state government, which promised full security, issued strict warning to the employees to join poll duties or face strict disciplinary action.

For the past two weeks the officials had been undergoing training at various high security places in the state. They will return home on Saturday, February 28, after the polling is over.

During the 1996 poll, the authorities had to bring officials from Delhi and other places for election duty as the locals refused to participate in the electoral process.

Meanwhile, paramilitary and police forces are keeping a strict vigil in the Srinagar constituency. Sources said besides the army and Border Security Forces, 61 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force would be deployed in Badgam district. In Srinagar, 73 companies of the armed police and CRPF have been deployed.

The valley experienced heavy snow fall on Monday. The authorities admit this might affect the poll turnout.

Political observers, meanwhile, say it will be one smooth sail for National Conference candidate Omar Abdullah as the Congress high command has asked its candidate Agha Sayed Mehdi to withdraw in the NC's favour.

Elections '98

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