| What about security after polls, ask candidates | | | Early Times Report
srinagar, Oct 6: The killing of two political activists and militant threats have created a fear among the candidates and workers of political parties in Kashmir, who seek adequate security before and after the polls.
On Friday, two of the National Conference workers were shot dead while another got injured. The threats have created a fear among the unarmed political activists of Kashmir, who fear for their lives.
Several candidates and political activists have gone underground and many others have been threatening to pull out of local bodies in protest if Government fails to provide them the security.
Ghulam Mohammad (name changed) one of the candidates is putting up in a hotel in Srinagar. These days he is worried whether the government will provide a secure environment for the political activists.
"Less than a dozen PSO have been deputed to guard 79 candidates in Srinagar. There are only few cabs for all these candidates. Under this security system, we are vulnerable to attacks and there is no response from the higher-ups," Ghulam said.
Another candidate who too wished not to be named said that government shall ensure secure environment for the candidates. "There are many separatists despite there anti-national stand are provided adequate security while we people who want to flourish the democracy are craving even for a single PSO," he said.
Sources said scores of political activists are taking refuge in rented houses near the police stations.
"My family members are worried about my safety and security, since I decided to contest elections. Government shall ensure a secure environment for us. Even after polls, adequate security arrangements shall be put in place," Asif Ahmad (name changed), a resident of south Kashmir said, who has taken refuse near a police station.
The authorities, in view of the threats, have moved these candidates to the private hotels.
In Rajbagh and Dalgate areas, scores of the low-budget hotels and guesthouses have been booked by the government to accommodate the candidates from vulnerable areas.
Another candidate, who protested lack of security arrangement said their motive to contests election was "to keep BJP at bay".
The government has announced holding of 4-phase urban local bodies and 9-phase panchayat elections in the state. The ULB polls would be held on October 8, 10, 13 and 16 while panchayat polls would be held on November 17, 20, 24, 27, 29 and December 1, 04, 08 and 11.
An official said that around 400 security companies have been brought from outside for the polls. "There are security issues in few areas of south Kashmir but government will take care of," he said.
He said that state would face a huge loss of centre's grant if the polls are not held. "Under 14th Finance Commission, the panchayats will lose Rs 3029 crore and urban local bodies Rs 1306 between 2015-2020, if the elections are not in the state," he said.
He said that 45,00 sarpanchs and 35,000 panchs would be elected. Similarly, he said that there are 79 urban local bodies and 1200 wards.
Over safety of candidates, he said that government has booked 300 hotel rooms in Srinagar and similar arrangements have been made in other districts too. |
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