The Indian Army on Friday started deploying additional troops in the Jammu region in order to enhance security in the Union Territory, which will go to polls in three phases after nearly a decade, starting September 18.
The assembly polls will be held in three phases on September 18, September 25 and October 1, with the counting of votes scheduled for October 4.
Sources told India Today TV that over 5,000 personnel from the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) are being positioned to strengthen the security in southern Jammu, which includes areas such as Doda, Kathua and Reasi.
Significantly, two units of the Assam Rifles have already taken up strategic positions in Jammu, sources said, adding that alongside them, two battalions of the BSF are being deployed along the International Border (IB) in Jammu.
This deployment surge follows a high-level security assessment, prompted by the recent uptick in terror-related incidents. Senior officials in the Ministry of Defence have been conducting continuous reviews of the security situation, leading to the decision to ramp up forces.
“Additional units from other Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) are also expected to increase their presence as part of a broader strategy to ensure stability and safety during the election period,” sources said.
In 2024, 17 terror attacks were reported in the otherwise peaceful region of Jammu, resulting in the deaths of 18 soldiers and injuries to 26 others. Additionally, 11 civilians have lost their lives.
Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah reacted to the announcement of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and said that the polls will further strengthen the roots of democracy and open the doors to a new period of development for the Union Territory.
Shah also appealed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir to actively participate in the elections and vote in large numbers to form a government that will sustain peace and development, and ensure a brighter future for the youth.
“I welcome the announcement of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir made by the Election Commission of India today. In the last 10 years, the Modi govt through a series of relentless initiatives, has created a new era of peace, development and strengthening democracy in J-K,” the senior BJP leader posted on X.
