SRINAGAR: Over 8,000 election officials and several thousand security personnel were deployed today at 1,842 polling stations across 16 constituencies in North Kashmir, where voting is set to take place tomorrow as part of the third phase of the Assembly elections.
Roads near distribution centres for polling materials, including Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), were closed to ensure a smooth process. Polling staff began arriving at these centres in the morning, and by the afternoon, the distribution was completed. The staff, along with voting materials, were sent in vehicles that had been stationed near the centres since the previous morning.
To guarantee a smooth and secure voting process, a robust multi-layered security system has been established across the districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora in North Kashmir. Troops stationed along the Line of Control (LoC) in all three districts have been placed on high alert.
Personnel from the local police, armed police, and central paramilitary forces were deployed early this morning to polling stations. Sensitive areas have been marked, and additional forces have been assigned to these locations to prevent any potential disturbances.
ALSO READ: J&K cop killed in Kathua encounter after gunning down terrorist – THE NEW INDIAN
Strongrooms, where the EVMs will be stored after tomorrow’s voting concludes, have been secured with round-the-clock digital surveillance to ensure their safety. Additionally, strict oversight measures, including webcasting at every polling station, have been implemented by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to maintain transparency throughout the election process.
Every polling station will have live webcasting, an important initiative by the ECI to uphold the integrity of the election. This real-time surveillance will enable officials to monitor voting activities and quickly address any issues that may arise. This technological enhancement is expected to boost voter confidence by minimizing electoral fraud.
Baramulla district has over 722,923 registered voters, including 364,517 males, 358,394 females, and 12 third-gender voters. The district has 908 polling stations across seven constituencies: Sopore, Rafiabad, Uri, Baramulla, Wagoora-Kreeri, Gulmarg, and Pattan. A total of 20 candidates are competing in Sopore, 12 in Rafiabad, 6 in Uri, 25 in Baramulla, 13 in Gulmarg, 12 in Wagoora-Kreeri, and 13 in Pattan.
ALSO READ: Sanidhya Saraf : Rising star in academics, Olympiads – THE NEW INDIAN
Kupwara district has 540,483 registered voters, with 270,776 males, 269,697 females, and 10 transgender voters. The ECI has set up 622 polling stations across six constituencies: Karnah, Trehgam, Kupwara, Lolab, Handwara, and Langate. In Karnah, 8 candidates are in the race, 10 in Trehgam, 8 in Kupwara, 11 in Lolab, 7 in Handwara, and 15 in Langate.
Bandipora district has a total of 259,893 voters, including 132,679 males, 127,208 females, and 6 third-gender voters. The ECI has established 312 polling stations, with 46 located in urban areas and 266 in rural areas. The district comprises three constituencies: Sonawari, Bandipora, and Gurez. In Sonawari, 18 candidates are competing, 19 in Bandipora, and 5 in Gurez (ST).
Voting will be conducted from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Key candidates in this phase include former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beg, former Minister Taj Mohidin, People’s Conference leader Sajjad Lone, Apni Party leader Ghulam Hassan Mir, PDP leader Syed Basharat Bukhari, People’s Conference leader Imran Ansari, National Conference leader Choudhary Ramzan, and former Member of Parliament Fayaz Ahmad Mir of the PDP.