J&K Elections: Weapon Deposit Urged for Peaceful Polls

District Magistrate Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir has mandated valid weapon holders to deposit their arms in police stations ahead of the Assembly elections starting from the third week of September. This decision aims to maintain law and order for the upcoming Legislative Assembly Elections 2024.

The District Magistrate Reasi in Jammu and Kashmir has directed valid weapon holders to deposit their firearms at the nearest police stations, as the Assembly elections approach, starting from the third week of September.

A communication from the District Magistrate's office, dated August 20, indicated that the move is to maintain a peaceful and fair election environment amid prevailing law and order concerns. "It has been decided by the District Magistrate and Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, in a meeting held on August 20, 2024, that all valid license weapon holders shall deposit their weapons in the nearest police station," the statement read.

This directive, signed by Kul Bhushan Khajuria, Additional District Magistrate Reasi, exempts security guards working in banks, ATMs, and railway companies within the district. Meanwhile, the Election Commission announced the commencement of the nomination process for the first phase of the elections on Tuesday, with 24 Assembly seats going to the polls on September 18. Nominations for the first phase close on August 27, with scrutiny on August 28, and the last date for withdrawal on August 30.

In total, 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir will participate in this electoral process, the first since 2014, with counting scheduled for October 4.

(With inputs from agencies.)