By NNN-PTI,
Srinagar, India : A curfew-like situation prevailed in Kashmir as authorities deployed thousands of security personnel to scuttle any attempt by separatists to march to Bandipora to disrupt the first phase of assembly elections, which began in 10 constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir today.
Heavy deployment has been made in Srinagar and other major towns of the valley in view of a call — ‘Jehan election waha challo’ (where elections march there) — given by separatist co-ordination committee, spearheading the ongoing movement for right to self-determination, official sources said.
Polling started in the three constituencies of Bandipora district along with seven other constituencies of Poonch district and Ladakh region today.
The police and paramilitary personnel were seen driving back people to their homes and patrolling the deserted streets to foil any attempt by separatists to assemble here for the long march.
The separatists have rejected the elections and had called for protests on the elections days, besides a complete strike to draw the attention of the global community towards the Kashmir issue.
In view of strict restrictions imposed by the security forces and a general strike called by the separatists, all shops and business establishments, government offices, educational institutions, banks, courts and other semi-government institutions are closed.
All modes of transport are off the roads here and other parts of the valley, although transport was exempted from the purview of the strike, sources said.