Poll notified, security beefed up in Kishtwar, Doda districts

Jammu, August 21

Following the issuance of a notification regarding the first phase of polling slated for September 18 in six constituencies of Doda and Kishtwar — districts marred by recent terror-related incidents and encounters — the security agencies’ focus has intensified in these volatile areas.

Additional deployment of personnel of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary forces and Army is being carried out in far-off areas of the mountainous districts of Doda and Kishtwar.

The notification was also issued for the two constituencies of Ramban in the Jammu region, besides those in the Kashmir division on Tuesday.

Kishtwar witnessed an encounter between the security forces and terrorists in the Peyaas and Nagseni areas on August 11.

A search operation was conducted after officials received information regarding the presence of terrorists in the forest area. However, the ultras managed to flee the spot during the encounter and are still on the loose.

In January this year, a court had declared 23 terrorists belonging to Kishtwar as proclaimed offenders. These terrorists are operating from Pakistan occupied J&K. Intelligence agencies believe that some ultras are instrumental in the rising terrorist activities in the region.

Inderwal, Kishtwar, Padder–Nagseni constituencies in Kishtwar district will witness polling in the first phase. Some areas in these constituencies do not have road connectivity and it take hours to reach these villages.

Adjoining to Kishtwar, Doda district has witnessed multiple attacks in recent times that have claimed the lives of soldiers. An Army Captain was martyred and a terrorist was killed during an encounter in the Assar forest area in Doda on August 14. It is believed that at least three other terrorists were able to flee the spot.

On July 15, four soldiers were killed in the Desa forest belt of Doda district during a search operation in the area. The terrorists were able to escape from the spot.

Bhadarwah, Doda and Doda West in the district will witness polling in the first phase.