Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Election: Voting underway for 40 constituencies amid tight security arrangements

Voting commenced on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, which covers 40 seats across seven districts, including the capital, Jammu.

Over 39.18 lakh eligible voters are set to determine the fate of 415 candidates, including notable figures such as former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig.

This election marks a significant milestone, as it is the first assembly poll since the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, allowing West Pakistani refugees, the Valmiki Samaj, and the Gorkha community to exercise their voting rights. These groups previously participated in the Block Development Council and District Development Council elections in 2019 and 2020.

Polling began at 7 AM in 16 assembly segments across three border districts of north Kashmir, including Baramulla, Uri, and Sopore.

A total of 202 candidates are vying for votes in these segments. Meanwhile, voting is also taking place in 24 constituencies in the Jammu region, covering areas such as Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua.

To ensure voter safety, more than 400 companies of security forces, including paramilitary and armed police have been deployed throughout the region. The previous phases of the election saw robust participation, with 61.38 per cent turnout in the first phase and 57.31 per cent in the second.

Prominent candidates in this phase include Raman Bhalla (R S Pura), Usman Majid (Bandipora), and Taj Mohiuddin (Uri), among others.

The Election Commission has established 5,060 polling stations, ensuring 100 per cent webcasting across all constituencies. This includes 974 urban stations and 4,086 rural stations.

Among these initiatives are 240 'special' polling stations, 50 'pink' polling stations managed by women, and polling stations catering to persons with disabilities. 

Moreover, 45 'green' polling stations are promoting environmental awareness, with others located near the Line of Control for border residents.

For migrant voters in the Kashmir division, 24 'special' polling stations have been set up across Jammu, Delhi, and Udhampur.