Final Phase of J&K Assembly Elections: Crucial Voting Amid Tight Security

Over 20,000 polling staff have been mobilized in Jammu and Kashmir for the final phase of assembly elections affecting 415 candidates. Highlighting this phase are the first-time voting rights extended to West Pakistani refugees, Valmiki Samaj, and the Gorkha community post the abrogation of Article 370.

Over 20,000 polling staff were mobilized on Monday across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the third and final phase of assembly elections, which will decide the fate of 415 candidates, including former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Beig, officials reported.

This crucial voting phase marks the inclusion of West Pakistani refugees, Valmiki Samaj, and the Gorkha community, who were granted voting rights in assembly and local body elections following the abrogation of Article 370. Previously, they participated in panchayat and urban local body polls in 2018.

More than 39.18 lakh voters are set to cast their ballots at 5,060 polling stations spread across 40 assembly segments in regions including Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, Kathua, Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara. Enhanced security measures, including the deployment of police and the creation of special polling stations, aim to ensure a peaceful voting process.

(With inputs from agencies.)