ECI approves key administrative overhaul in J-K ahead of Assembly polls

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], August 28 : The Election Commission of India has approved key transfers ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, according to official sources.
As per the sources, the ECI approved a series of transfers and also extended the tenure of Anantnag Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syeed Fakhruddin Hamid for two years. His tenure ended on July 8, 2024.
The Commission approved the transfers of Baramulla SSP Gurinderpal Singh, Handwara SP Dawood Ayoub and Kupwara SSP Shobhit Saxena.
In the significant administrative overhaul, the Commission appointed Nalin Prabhat IPS as Director General (Operations and Security), of Jammu and Kashmir police. His tenure will continue till September 30, 2024. Prabhat is currently posted as Special DG, J-K police and on inter-cadre deputation and will remain in the role until the aforementioned date.
The sources further said that the poll body approved the relieving of Ashish Mishra IPS as Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP). He was transferred to Delhi Police in June 2023 but could not be relieved due to administrative reasons.
Additionally, the poll body has directed the UT administration to provide a panel of IPS officers for the post of SP/SSP Srinagar, Baramulla, Handwara and Kupwara by 5 pm on August 29, 2024.
The voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in three phases - September 18, 25 and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 4. The last date for filing nominations for the first phase was on August 27.