Attempt to disrupt counting at Poonch foiled, Says police

Poonch: The police Monday said a major attempt aimed at disrupting the counting exercise scheduled at Poonch as over 300 wooden logs, sticks and cricket bats, and other material was seized from dozens of vehicles that were about to enter into the Poonch town.
Officials said the vehicles, mostly private cars, were entering Poonch town from different parts of district especially Mendhar sub division area. A police official said that after order of 144 CrPC restrictions by District Magisterate Poonch, after it started a major exercise to ensure tight security arrangements in the district especially in Poonch town where counting of votes for all fourteen DDC constituencies of Poonch district will be held on Tuesday.
“During surprise mobile nakas at different entry points of Poonch town, vehicles entering the town were put to searches which especially include vehicles coming from Mendhar side,” said a police official. He said that dozens of vehicles, especially cars, were found loaded with wooden logs, sticks, baseball bats, cricket bats and other attacking material after which these vehicles have been seized.
Senior Superintendent of Police Poonch, Ramesh K Angral said that some elements were planning to create major law and order problem during counting but strict security arrangements and alertness has foiled these designs.
“We have seized over 300 such sticks and other material meant for triggering violence and attacks and have arrested many accused and highest state of alertness is being ensured in the area,” said SSP