J&K’s Last Polling Booth at LoC: Security Tight for Phase 2

As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for the second phase of its 2024 Assembly elections, the spotlight is on some of the most sensitive polling locations, including Panj Garain village in Rajouri, a polling station situated right on the Line of Control (LoC). BLO (Booth Level Officer) Mohammad Kabir described this polling station as the “last polling station,” symbolizing both the region’s proximity to the border and the challenges faced in holding elections in such areas.

The second phase covers 26 assembly constituencies, spanning across six districts, including Rajouri, which has five crucial seats. The election is significant not only because it is the first Assembly election since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 but also because it encompasses frontier regions like Panj Garain, which experience unique security concerns due to their closeness to the LoC. Despite these challenges, election authorities have set up 3,502 polling stations for this phase, equipped with webcasting to ensure transparency and safety.

A total of 239 candidates are contesting in this phase, with prominent names like Omar Abdullah of the National Conference, BJP President Ravinder Raina, and Congress leader Tariq Hameed Karra in the fray. The Rajouri district, where Panj Garain is located, has 34 candidates competing for five seats. This region has historically seen lower voter turnouts due to its proximity to the LoC, but the election authorities are hopeful for higher participation this time​.

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The polling in such sensitive areas underscores the resilience of the democratic process, as voters in Panj Garain and other border villages will exercise their rights under heavy security presence. This phase of the election is expected to play a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir as it navigates the first elections after significant constitutional changes.