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49 additional CRPF battalions to be deployed for polls in J&K

KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 11/19/2020 12:02:37 PM

SRINAGAR, Nov 18: Union Home Ministry has ordered the deployment of 49 additional battalions of paramilitary CRPF to Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the ensuing Panchayat election.
According to local news agency, GNS, some official sources said that the deployments are being moved from various states to Jammu and Kashmir and concerned quarters have been asked to make the arrangements including the desired scale of arms and ammunitions, special anti-riot equipment and winter clothing.
Special emphasis has been laid on providing protective body gears in wake of cold climate in the Valley.
State Election Commission has already announced an eight-phase poll to 20 District Development Councils (DDCs) and vacant Panchayat and municipal seats, in the first major electoral exercise since the effective nullification of Article 370 in August last year amid massive security and communication clampdown which saw detention or arrest of thousands of people including former three chief ministers and members of erstwhile state legislature besides snapping of landline and mobile telephony and internet which was eased to large extent since.
The government had in October amended the J&K Panchayati Raj Act to provide for setting up of District Development Councils in each district which will have directly elected members, marking the implementation of the entire 73rd Constitutional Amendment in the J&K.
While votes in first phase would be cast ballot on 28 November 28, the last phase of polling would take place on 19 December and the counting of votes would take place on 22 December.