Jammu and Kashmir heads for first phase of assembly elections on Sept 18, security beefed across UT
Representative image.
Jammu and Kashmir is headed for the assembly elections after 10 long years. The first phase of the election will be held on September 18, and security remains one of the major concerns for security agencies. And as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said, this assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir will decide the fate of the Union Territory.
As many as 219 candidates are in the fray during the first phase during whichpolling will be held in 24 Assembly constituencies.
With less than 48 hours remaining for the casting of votes, 64 candidates remain in electoral fray in Anantnag district, followed by 45 in Pulwama, 27 in Doda, 25 in Kulgam, 22 in Kishtwar, 21 in Shopian, and 15 in Ramban.
In Kishtwar, 9 candidates remain in the final electoral frayfor election in 48-Inderwal AC; 7 candidates in 49-Kishtwar AC; while 6 candidates remain in the fray in 50-Padder-Nagseni AC.
In Doda district, 10 candidates remain in the final electoral fray for election in 51-Bhadarwah AC; 9 candidates in 52-Doda AC; and 8 candidates in 53-Doda West AC. In Ramban district, 8 candidates remain in the final electoral fray for election in 54-Ramban AC; while 7 candidates will contest in 55-Banihal AC.
Similarly, in Pulwama district, 14 candidates remain in the final fray in 32-Pampore AC; 9 candidates in 33-Tral AC; 12 candidates in 34-Pulwama AC; and 10 candidates in 35-Rajpora AC.
In Shopian district, 10 candidates remain in the final electoral fray in 36-Zainapora AC and 11 candidates will contest in 37-Shopian AC. In Kulgam district, 6 candidates remain in the final fray in 38-DH Pora AC; 10 candidates in 39-Kulgam AC; and 9 candidates in 40-Devsar AC.
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Finally, in Anantnag district, 10 candidates remain in theelectoral fray in 41-Dooru AC; 10 candidates in 42-Kokernag (ST) AC; 9 candidates in 43-Anantnag West AC; 13 candidates in 44-Anantnag AC; 3 candidates in 45-Srigufwara-Bijbehara AC; 13 candidates in 46-Shangus-Anantnag East AC; and 6 candidates in 47-Pahalgam AC.
More than 23.27 lakh voters, including 5.66 lakh youths, are eligible to exercise their electoral franchise during Phase-I, out of which 11.76 lakh are male voters, 11.51 lakh are females, and60 third gender electors.
Meanwhile, a three-tier security system has been put in place across the Union Territory for guarding every polling booth. There are special polling booths with extra security in areas close to the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border.
''As 18th is the date for the first phase of elections and area pertinently belonging to South Kashmir. We have made quite elaborate arrangements, and have included the paramilitary forces. Area domination is done too so that fair elections can be held in a secure environment. We have made certain multilayered arrangements at strong rooms and distribution centres. Such arrangements will remain the same for the second and third phases as well. Technology comes in handy and acts as a force multiplier, and it really helps in making the environmentsafe,"saidV K Birdi, IG Kashmir.
Around 300 companies of paramilitary forces have been brought in from across Indiafor election security. This is in addition to the Jammu and Kashmir Police andthe CRPF present in the Valley.
