The Jammu and Kashmir administration has heightened security measures in the Rajouri district ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. The district borders the Line of Control between India and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Rajouri, Randeep Kumar, said a coordinated effort involving the Jammu and Kashmir police, the Indian Army, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), is underway to ensure free and fair elections and voter safety. This includes regular patrols by police, army, and CRPF personnel; day domination campaigns; enhanced security at checkposts; and organized road marches.

Kumar emphasized that these measures are designed to instill confidence in voters, allowing them to “cast their votes without fear.”

Special attention is being given to the district’s forested areas, where joint operations, including long-range patrols, are being conducted.

“The police are working closely with the army and paratroopers to conduct joint operations and maintain a strong presence in these areas. We also have additional forces deployed in the region and are trying to secure the area,” Kumar said.

The Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls are scheduled to be held in three phases, with voting taking place on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The counting of votes is set for October 8. These elections are particularly significant as they mark the first assembly polls in Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

The union territory has a total of 90 assembly constituencies, with 7 seats reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and 9 seats for Scheduled Tribes (STs).

In the previous Assembly elections, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) won 28 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured 25, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) won 15, and the Congress won 12.

(Inputs from ANI)