The first phase of Assembly elections is currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir, with significant voter participation expected. In Pulwama district, where two assembly constituencies are up for grabs, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) P. D. Nitya reported, “Voting is ongoing in Pulwama, with 245 polling stations set up. We anticipate a good voter turnout, and proper security arrangements have been implemented.”
High security has also been a focal point in the region, particularly for Kashmiri migrant voters, who are casting their ballots under strict measures. An NC candidate from the Doda Assembly constituency emphasized the sentiments of many voters, stating, “We want statehood and special status here,” reflecting the aspirations of constituents seeking greater autonomy.
#WATCH | Jammu: Kashmiri migrant voters cast their votes under high security.
(Visuals from ITI College Campus) pic.twitter.com/7FrwgQ2Nt3
— ANI (@ANI) September 18, 2024
In a related development, the INDIA bloc, comprising the Congress, DMK, and various communist parties, has called for a bandh in Puducherry today to protest the recent hike in power tariffs. This move signifies ongoing political mobilization around economic issues as voters head to the polls in Jammu and Kashmir.
As the election process unfolds, the focus remains on voter turnout and the security measures in place, underscoring the importance of this electoral phase for the region’s future.