Srinagar, Sept 18: Polling for the first phase of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections has concluded without any incidents, with a voter turnout of 58.85% reported by 7:30 PM. Voting took place across 24 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) in 7 districts: Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam, Kishtwar, Anantnag, Ramban, and Doda. The process was peaceful and witnessed enthusiastic participation from voters across all sections of society.
A total of 3,276 polling stations were set up across the districts, with queues forming early in the day as citizens responded to the “call of democracy.”
The voter turnout during this phase of the assembly elections exceeded the participation levels observed during the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, which also saw significant engagement. The Lok Sabha elections had recorded the highest voter turnout in Jammu & Kashmir in 35 years, with 58.58% turnout at polling stations.
Ahead of the first phase of voting, authorities had seized over Rs. 124 crore worth of contraband, signaling a firm crackdown on illegal activities, including drug-related offenses. This proactive approach was aimed at ensuring a fair and smooth electoral process.
With phase 1 now complete, the election authorities look forward to maintaining the momentum in subsequent phases, ensuring that the people of Jammu & Kashmir can continue to express their democratic will peacefully.
