Mudasir Ahmad
Srinagar, Sep 17 (KINS): As Jammu & Kashmir gears up for the first phase of the Legislative Assembly elections tomorrow, Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and other essential materials have reached all designated polling centers across 24 constituencies.
The authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure a smooth and secure voting process, with security tightened in and around the polling areas.
According to news agency KINS, a comprehensive security plan has been put in place, with the deployment of additional security forces in sensitive and vulnerable areas to maintain law and order.
Police personnel, along with paramilitary forces, have been stationed at key points to ensure the safety of voters and polling staff. Strict surveillance measures have been activated to monitor activities in and around the polling stations.
In the Kashmir Division, 16 ACs will be contested, including Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, and others. Pampore leads with 14 candidates, while Srigufwara-Bijbehara has a tight race with only three. The Jammu Division will see elections in eight ACs, such as Inderwal, Kishtwar, and Padder-Nagseni. According to the latest electoral rolls, 23,27,580 voters are eligible to cast their ballots, comprising 11,76,462 male voters, 11,51,058 female voters, and 60 third-gender voters.
This marks the start of a three-phase electoral process in the Union Territory. Around 2.3 million voters, including 566,000 young voters, are eligible to participate in the first phase. Voters in districts from the southern regions of Kashmir, including Bijbehara, will cast their ballots.
In the district of Anantnag, 64 candidates are contesting, followed by 45 in Pulwama, and 27 in Doda. Other districts, such as Kulgam and Shopian, also have strong participation from competing candidates. Kulgam district features 10 candidates in the Kulgam Assembly Constituency, while Shopian district has 10 and 11 candidates in Zainapora and Shopian constituencies, respectively.
Security remains a top priority, with the hope that a maximum number of people will exercise their right to vote and participate in this important democratic event.
The IGP Kashmir according to news agency KINS said, “We have ensured that the elections are held in a peaceful atmosphere, allowing people to vote freely and securely. Our focus is on providing a safe environment to encourage high voter turnout.”
The Election Commission has emphasized the need for a seamless and transparent electoral process. Comprehensive training has been provided to polling staff, including zonal and sector magistrates, as well as police officers. Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel have been strategically deployed across districts to ensure security and order during the voting process.
Strict adherence to the Model Code of Conduct is being enforced to maintain fairness and prevent undue influence on the elections. Election officials are optimistic about a high voter turnout, noting that several initiatives have been implemented to encourage voter participation.
As polling day approaches, Jammu and Kashmir stands poised for a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, with high hopes for a peaceful and participative election.*(KINS)
