The Director General of Police (DGP) Ashok Prasad Monday stated that the police implemented the security plan of 2008 for the polls in North Kashmir scheduled to be held on May 7.The state police chief told that whatever the measures taken by the police in the year 2008- the same is being done in the current year during polls to avoid any disruption of law and order. “In terms of the police deployment at various places, to thwart protest demonstrations and stone pelting and any other activity that would disrupt law and order in the state- the security plan of the year 2008 is being implemented this year also.”Commenting over the security scenario of the Baramulla during polls on May 7, Ashok Prasad stated that there are three major challenges being faced by the police at present. “First is that the militants could carry out soft target killings in the area. Second is the strike call during polls issued by the separatists. It could instigate people for stone pelting. Third is the direct attempt of stone pelting at various places to disrupt poling and to create panic in various areas that will go for polls on May 7.”
He stated that police has taken all the necessary measures to tackle the law and order situation so that the smooth functioning of polls could be ensured.Over the issue of the detention of youth from various areas of valley ahead of the polls, the state police chief remarked the youth would be released only after a thorough investigation of the cases is done by the police. “They have no hidden cases. All the cases pertaining to them are wide open. Police will investigate the matter and only after that the final decision on the fate of the detained stone throwers will be taken.”Over the killing of the Nawa Kadal boy, Mr. Prasad said that the police is carrying investigation into the matter and it will also cooperate in the magisterial probe ordered by the government. “If any malafide is found into the killing that took place during the evening of April 30, stern action will be taken against the involved.”