SRINAGAR: In preparation for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed the transfer of senior police officials in key districts, according to top administrative sources on Wednesday.
Sources privy to the development told Kashmir Dot Com that these include the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSP) of Baramulla and Kupwara, as well as the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Handwara. The Commission has requested the administration to submit a panel of IPS officers to be posted in these positions.
In a related move, the EC has approved the relieving of SSP Srinagar, Ashish Mishra, an IPS officer who was transferred from Jammu and Kashmir to Delhi Police in June 2023. His transfer had been delayed due to administrative reasons, but he is now set to be relieved from his duties in Srinagar.
The Election Commission has instructed the Union Territory administration to provide a panel of IPS officers for the positions of SP/SSP in Srinagar, Baramulla, Handwara, and Kupwara by Thursday evening.
Additionally, the Commission has given its approval for the appointment of IPS officer Nalin Prabhat as the Director General (Operations and Security) of Jammu and Kashmir Police, a position he will hold until September 30. Prabhat, who is on inter-cadre deputation, is currently serving as Special DG, J&K.
The EC has also extended the inter-cadre deputation tenure of IAS officer Syeed Fakhruddin Hamid, the Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, for an additional two years. Hamid’s tenure had initially concluded on July 8 this year.
These changes come as Jammu and Kashmir prepares to hold assembly elections in three phases.
Meanwhile, sources suggest local KPS officers are likely to be posted in the above few key districts. (KDC)
