With An Eye On BDC Polls, Centre Tightens Security In Kashmir

The Centre has beefed up security and initiated outreach measures in Kashmir with less than two weeks to go for the Block Development Council (BDC) polls, scheduled for 24 October. Kashmir has been under a tight security blanket and a communication clampdown since 5 August. The Union home ministry, however, has been trying to balance restoring normalcy in the valley while ensuring tight security in the wake of fresh infiltration attempts and risks of heightened militant activity following the reading down of Article 370. The BDC polls mark the Centre’s first attempt at restoring democratic processes in the region, following the revocation of its special status and bifurcation, and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is looking at making a significant mark in the upcoming polls. Union home minister Amit Shah, meanwhile, has given instructions to extend all possible support to pants and sarpanches in the region to carry out preparatory work for the polls.