Jammu and Kashmir Embraces Democracy, Shunning Terrorism

In the first phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir, voters show enthusiasm with a significant turnout as BJP leader Altaf Thakur notes the region's shift from terrorism to democracy. The Election Commission records varying voter turnout percentages across different districts, highlighting a successful polling exercise.

Amid the initial phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Altaf Thakur declared that the region has changed, and its people now seek to make their voices heard through democratic means. He emphasized that J&K citizens have largely rejected terrorism in favor of expressing themselves via the ballot box.

'People are very excited and have been standing in long queues to cast their votes since 6 am. Jammu and Kashmir has changed. People want to get their voices heard through democracy. Kashmir has now rejected terrorism, separatism, bombs, grenades, and bullets and has chosen the ballot paper and wants to express itself through the ballot paper,' said Thakur.

'After 2019, people are proud of Indian democracy and today people are coming out to exercise their democratic rights. It seems that PM Modi's slogan of New Jammu and Kashmir has become successful now,' he added. As per the Election Commission of India, the first phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir saw a cumulative turnout of 11.11 percent as of 9 am on Wednesday.

According to the latest data from the ECI, Kishtwar recorded a 14.83 percent turnout by 9 am, leading the way, while Pulwama saw 9.18 percent. Other districts such as Anantnag, Doda, Kulgam, Ramban, and Shopian recorded 10.26 percent, 12.90 percent, 10.77 percent, 11.91 percent, and 11.44 percent, respectively.

District Election Officer of Doda, Harvinder Singh, stated, 'Voting has started in polling stations. We are witnessing considerable enthusiasm from the public. I hope this time we will see a high voter turnout. A very good polling exercise is being conducted in a free and fair manner. Those at home should step out and cast their votes.'

Polling for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began at 7 am today amid tight security. The voting will conclude at 6 pm. Long voter queues were observed at polling stations in the morning. In this phase, 24 assembly constituencies are participating, with 16 seats in the Kashmir region and 8 seats in the Jammu region.

(With inputs from agencies.)