Srinagar/Jammu, October 1 (IANS). Voting is taking place in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday for the third and final phase of assembly elections. In this, 39.18 lakh voters will decide the political fate of 415 candidates in 40 constituencies spread from the plains of Jammu to the mountains of Kashmir.
Voting is to be held on 40 assembly seats in Jammu, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur districts of Jammu division and Baramulla and Kupwara districts of the valley. There are 11 assembly seats in Jammu district, three in Samba, six in Kathua and four in Udhampur, while there are seven in Baramulla, three in Bandipora and six in Kupwara district.
The Election Commission has created 5,030 polling stations for voters for the third phase. Special polling centers have also been created for Kashmiri displaced voters. Of these, 11 are in Jammu, four in Delhi and one in Udhampur district.
Election Commission officials said that all the polling staff along with EVMs, voter lists etc. have left for their respective destinations. Some polling stations in Baramulla and Kupwara districts are located close to the Line of Control (LOC). Police officials said that adequate number of security personnel of CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police have reached the polling stations to provide security to the polling personnel and voters.
“Extraordinary security arrangements have been made in Jammu and Valley by controlling the area around various polling stations, ensuring safe and secure movement of polling personnel and general public on roads and highways,” a senior police officer said.
The official said tight security arrangements have been made across Jammu and Kashmir, especially in the voting districts on Tuesday, to prevent terrorists and their supporters from interfering in the voting process.
Given the vigorous campaigning by various political parties and contesting candidates, it seems that a large number of voters will turn up to vote on Tuesday.
The first two phases of elections were held on 18 and 25 September. Counting of votes will take place on October 8.
–IANS
SCH/CBT