The border districts of Rajouri and Poonch, along with Reasi, are set to vote in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election today. These areas have faced several deadly terror attacks in the past three years, prompting officials to implement extensive security measures across all 11 assembly segments to ensure a safe voting environment.
Jammu And Kashmir Polls: 3 Districts Hit By Deadly Terror Attacks To Vote Today
In the backdrop of the terror incidents in the region, which was otherwise considered clear of terrorism over a decade ago, authorities have made all necessary arrangements to ensure that there is no disruption in the voting, the officials said.
This election phase also includes the central Kashmir districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam, with 239 candidates contesting across 26 assembly segments, including 79 in the Pir Panjal region of Jammu.
Notable candidates include BJP's J&K unit chief Ravinder Raina, who is running for re-election from the Nowshera constituency, along with five former ministers and ten ex-legislators.
Recent Terror Incidents
The Reasi district recently experienced a tragic attack on June 9, where a bus carrying pilgrims from Shiv Khori temple was ambushed, resulting in nine fatalities, including seven pilgrims.
Rajouri and Poonch have seen over a dozen significant terrorist attacks since October 2021, leading to the deaths of more than 35 security personnel and eight civilians.
In light of these incidents, authorities have ensured robust arrangements to maintain the integrity of the voting process. Given that many areas are near the Line of Control (LoC), a strategic plan is in place to handle potential challenges, particularly regarding cross-border shelling.
J&K Polls: Candidates In Fray In 3 Troubled Districts
The highest 34 candidates are in the fray in the five segments of Rajouri district - Kalakote-Sunderbani, Nowshera, Rajouri (ST), Budhal (ST) and Thannamandi (ST).
This is followed by 25 in three seats in Poonch -- Surankote (ST), Poonch-Haveli and Mendhar (ST) and 20 in Reasi district's Gulabgarh (ST), Reasi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi segments.
The officials said a comprehensive network of 745 polling stations has been established across Rajouri district which has the highest 4,92,008 electorates including 2,35,786 women and seven transgender voters.
In the Rajouri district, 11 candidates are in the fray Kalakote-Sunderbani; five in Nowshera, eight in Rajouri (ST), four in Budhal (ST) and six in Thannamandi (ST).
As many as 483 polling stations have been set up for a total of 3,52,330 voters, including 1,71,746 women, in Poonch district where eight each candidates are in the fray in Surankote (ST) and Poonch Haveli while nine are contesting in Mendhar (ST).
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In Reasi district, seven candidates each are contesting from Reasi and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seats and six in Gulabgarh (ST).
The district has a total of 2,37,205 registered voters, including 1,12,843 females and three transgender, for whom 436 polling stations have been set up throughout the district, the officials said.
This time the number of assembly segments has increased to 11 with the inclusion of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seat and renaming of Gool-Arnas as Gulabgarh following the 2022 delimitation exercise.
(With PTI inputs)
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