Sec 144 means undeclared curfew in Srinagar
SRINAGAR: In the wake of heightened tension following killing of two unarmed protestors in police and CRPF firing in Baramulla, authorities decided to impose stringent security restrictions in Srinagar. “We have decided to impose Section 144 CRPC in Srinagar,” Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo told Rising Kashmir. “After deliberations on the security scenario, we have decided to impose the restrictions in city to maintain law and order”.
He, however, claimed that no curfew would be clamped in the city. The authorities had imposed undeclared curfew in Srinagar and other parts of Valley during the first phase of polling held on November 19 to thwart people from marching towards Bandipora.
CRPF spokesman, Prabahkar Tripathi said the security restrictions would remain in place to thwart the separatists’ poll boycott march. “We do not want the things should worsen. Any move to create disturbances during the election process would be countered,” he said. Stating that they fear the situation can turn volatile any moment, the CRPF spokesman said, “Every measure would be taken to ensure smooth polling. Our strategy is to impose flexible restrictions and if the situation remains under control, the free movement won’t be restricted”.
Earlier, security agencies had claimed that mild security restrictions would be placed in Srinagar after Bandipora witnessed brisk polling during the first phase of elections. Police sources said the strategy was changed after the pro freedom protests in Valley and killing of two unarmed protestors in Baramulla. “We were happy on the large turn out during polls, but after the recent violent incidents the authorities fear that the situation might take an ugly turn. Thus we may be forced to clamp down an undeclared curfew,” they said.
Meanwhile, tight security arrangements have been put in place for the second phase of elections in Ganderbal. CRPF, ITBP, BSF and police companies have been deployed to ensure security during the polls. The security of polling booths in Ganderbal constituency would be looked after by CRPF while the security of booths in Kangan has been entrusted to BSF. “17 companies of BSF have been deployed in Kangan. We have been specially entrusted the security duty of polling booths in this constituency,” DIG BSF S K Singh told Rising Kashmir. Sources said more than 18 companies of CRPF have been deployed in Ganderbal to ensure security of polling booths.-SANA
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