)
With Srinagar parliamentary constituency set to go to polls on Wednesday, authorities today beefed up security to instill confidence among the voters and foil any attempt by militants to disrupt exercise.
The stepped up security in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley comes a day after two mysterious explosions took place near the venue of National Conference election rallies at Khanyar in interior city and Magam in Budgam district.
Militants killed six persons including two sarpanches and two policemen in the run up to the polls in Anantnag parliamentary constituency which registered a low turnout of 28 per cent polling on April 24.
Police and paramilitary forces have been deployed in strength in the Valley especially in Srinagar parliamentary constituency which is spread over three districts of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal in an effort to check militant activities ahead of the polling scheduled for April 30.
Area domination along with checking of vehicles has been intensified since this morning to foil any attempt by militants to carry out an attack ahead of the polling, a senior police officer said.
He said since the campaigning in the constituency is going to end at 6 PM today, extra-caution has been taken to ensure a peaceful day.
"We have taken all necessary measures to foil any attempt by militants to disturb peace and ensure peaceful rallies and voting," the officer said.
Three persons were injured in an explosion at Magam near the venue of an election rally while another explosion during an election rally of National Conference president and candidate from Srinagar Lok Sabha seat Farooq Abdullah caused panic in Khanyar area of the city yesterday.
Although police said that they are investigating the nature of the blasts, eye-witnesses claimed that the blasts were caused by detonation of grenades.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah yesterday said though he had no doubt that efforts would be made to "derail" the electoral process in the state but the violent forces will "not be allowed" to succeed.
