Historic Voter Turnout in Final Phase of Jammu and Kashmir Elections

Voters in 40 seats across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir participated in the final phase of assembly elections. Over 39 lakh eligible voters are deciding the fate of 415 candidates, including former deputy chief ministers. Comprehensive security measures ensured peaceful voting, which began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm.

On Tuesday, voters queued up outside polling stations across 40 seats in seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir for the final phase of the assembly elections, according to officials.

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

The voting commenced at 7 am and is progressing peacefully with tight security arrangements, officials reported.

Though voter turnout data is yet to be released, official sources estimated a 3.5 percent turnout in the first hour in Kashmir.

Moderate to heavy polling is taking place in most assembly segments in north Kashmir, according to officials.

Polling is underway in three border districts -- Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara.

The assembly segments involved include Baramulla, Uri, Rafiabad, Pattan, Gulmarg, Sopore, and Wagoora-Kreeri in Baramulla district; Kupwara, Karnah, Trehgam, Handwara, Lolab, and Langate in Kupwara district; and Bandipora, Sonawari, and Gurez in Bandipora district.

A total of 202 candidates are vying for positions in these 16 segments.

Voting is also held across 24 constituencies in Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua districts in the Jammu region.

Gaining voting rights post-2019, enthusiastic West Pakistani refugees, Valmiki Samaj, and Gorkha community members were early participants.

More than 400 security force companies, including paramilitary and armed police, have been deployed for smooth voting.

The first phase of the elections recorded a 61.38 percent turnout on September 18, followed by 57.31 percent in the second phase on September 25.

Results are expected on October 8.

Prominent candidates include Raman Bhalla, Usman Majid, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Taj Mohiuddin, Basharat Bukhari, Imran Ansari, Ghulam Hassan Mir, Choudhary Lal Singh, Rajiv Jasrotia, Manohar Lal Sharma, Sham Lal Sharma, and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra.

The Election Commission has established 5,060 polling stations with 100 percent webcasting. Initiatives to increase participation include special, pink, and environmentally aware green polling stations.

Additionally, arrangements for migrant voters have been made in Jammu, Delhi, and Udhampur.

A comprehensive security strategy has been implemented to ensure peaceful voting, which is scheduled to end at 6 pm.

(With inputs from agencies.)