IAF Airlifts 188 Security Personnel To Snowbound Areas In J&K Ahead of Lok Sabha Polls

As a preparation for the first phase of the Lok Sabha Elections in 2024, there has been a significant deployment of security personnel in the Marwah and Warwan areas of Jammu and Kashmir’s Kishtwar. This deployment was the result of the joint efforts of the District Election Office Kishtwar and the Indian Air Force.

A total of 188 personnel were airlifted by three IAF helicopters to Marwah and Warwan areas. The group comprised of 144 personnel from the Central Armed Police Forces and 44 from the Jammu and Kashmir Police.

This marks the first time in India’s history that both personnel and material have been airlifted for Lok Sabha Elections in 2024.

“This deployment is part of comprehensive security measures being implemented across Kishtwar district for the forthcoming elections.

The logistical challenges posed by remote and snow-bound terrain of Marwah and Warwan were efficiently addressed, with 16 sorties transporting security personnel to these areas,” officials said.

The road connectivity to the Marwan and Warwan areas through Sinthan and Margan, situated at an altitude of 12500 feet, also poses transportation challenges to snow-bound areas.

Kishtwar district falls under the 4-Udhampur Parliamentary constituency and elections are scheduled on April 19 – the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections – in the district.

Special arrangements were made by the Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir for the safe transportation of polling parties, election logistics, and materials to 31 polling booths, including 19 in Marwah and 12 in Warwan.

“District Election Officer, Dr. Devansh Yadav highlighted the meticulous planning involved in ensuring the safety and security of polling parties, particularly in shadow zones and sensitive areas,” they said adding that five intermediate strong rooms have been established for the secure storage of ballots, enhancing convenience and efficiency of the electoral process.

“Tomorrow 31 polling party members and reserves will be airlifted to far-flung polling stations situated in the interiors of Marwah and Warwan, reaffirming our commitment to ensure no voter is left behind while conducting free and fair elections”, he added.