Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 | Security stepped up at polling booths ahead of second phase

The security forces personnel comprising police, armed police and central armed paramilitary forces left for the polling stations early morning, the officials said.

Srinagar: On the eve of the second phase of Assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday, security has been intensified across Jammu and Kashmir.

With several high-profile candidates in the race, including former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and various former ministers and legislators, authorities are taking extra precautions to ensure a smooth voting process.

Over 25.78 lakh voters will cast their ballots for 239 candidates across three districts in Kashmir—Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam—as well as the Jammu region’s Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch districts. Of the registered voters, 13.12 lakh are male, 12.65 lakh are female, and there are 53 third-gender voters.

Prominent contenders include National Conference (NC) leaders Omar Abdullah, Ali Mohammad Sagar, Abdul Rahim Rather, and former Speaker Mubarak Gul. Other notable candidates are former PDP ministers Aasia Naqash and Ghulam Nabi Hanjoora, BJP's J&K unit president Ravinder Raina, Apni Party chief Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, former minister Hakeem Mohammad Yasin, and jailed separatist leader Sarjan Ahmad Wagay (Barkati).

In view of security concerns, additional personnel have been deployed in sensitive areas. Authorities are conducting rigorous checks on vehicles entering and leaving the region and have established multiple checkpoints to monitor movements and prevent any unlawful activities.

Following a successful first phase of polling on September 18, which saw a voter turnout of 61.38 per cent, preparations are underway for the upcoming phase. The Election Commission has set up 3,502 polling stations across 26 Assembly constituencies, all equipped with 100 per cent webcasting capabilities. This includes 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural polling stations.

To encourage voter participation, 157 special polling stations have been established, featuring initiatives such as 26 Pink Polling Stations managed by women, polling stations staffed by specially-abled persons and youth, as well as 31 border polling stations and various uniquely themed stations. These efforts aim to facilitate a smooth and inclusive electoral process for all voters.