Security Tightened in Nagrota: Police, CAPF Conduct Route Marches Ahead of Bypolls

JAMMU, October 25: In preparation for the upcoming Nagrota Assembly bypolls, scheduled for November 11, the Jammu Police on Friday carried out two major route marches in the constituency as part of enhanced security measures to ensure a peaceful and fair electoral process.

According to officials, the route marches were conducted in the Jhajjar Kotli and Nagrota police station jurisdictions under the supervision of Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Jammu, Joginder Singh. The exercise witnessed the active participation of personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) alongside local police units deployed for election duties across the rural zones of Jammu district.

A police spokesperson said that these route marches, coupled with pre-election briefings, are a critical part of the security preparedness strategy. “The drills help security forces familiarise themselves with the terrain, identify sensitive areas, and strengthen inter-agency coordination,” the spokesperson said. “They are aimed at enhancing operational readiness and ensuring that peace and public order are maintained throughout the election period.”

The police also underscored that such visible security exercises play a vital role in boosting the morale of the public and discouraging anti-social or disruptive elements. “The strong presence of security personnel in public areas serves as a deterrent to potential mischief-makers while instilling a sense of confidence among voters. This visibility reassures the electorate that they can exercise their franchise freely, without fear or intimidation,” the statement added.

Officers from both the police and CAPF took part in the marches, covering major road stretches, marketplaces, and key polling zones in the constituency. The coordination between different security agencies was reviewed to ensure swift response capability in case of any untoward incidents.

“Route marches are not just about physical movement; they are an important mechanism for intelligence gathering and confidence-building,” said an official. “They help police familiarise themselves with local dynamics, interact with residents, and identify areas that might require additional deployment during the polling day.”

The SSP Jammu, while monitoring the exercise, briefed the personnel on maintaining professionalism and community engagement during their duties. He directed officers to maintain strict vigilance and ensure that the highest standards of discipline and cooperation are upheld during the election period.

Officials further said that the Nagrota bypoll is expected to witness a high voter turnout, and security arrangements are being made accordingly. The by-election was necessitated following the demise of BJP legislator Devender Singh Rana on October 31 last year.

Meanwhile, in Kashmir, a bypoll will also be held in the Budgam Assembly segment, which fell vacant after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah retained the Ganderbal seat, his family’s traditional stronghold, following his victory from two constituencies.

Authorities have already begun multi-layered preparations across both constituencies, including the deployment of additional security personnel, installation of CCTV surveillance in sensitive areas, and coordination meetings between civil and police administration to ensure incident-free polling.

Election officials in Jammu said that extensive voter awareness and confidence-building drives are also being organised in rural belts to encourage citizens to participate in large numbers. “The police and paramilitary forces are working in close coordination to ensure that every voter feels safe and secure while casting their vote,” an election official said.

The route marches on Friday, therefore, mark the beginning of a comprehensive security mechanism for the bypolls, reflecting the administration’s determination to uphold the sanctity of the democratic process and ensure peaceful elections across Jammu and Kashmir.