Electors of all ages, from first-time voters to senior citizens, flocked to polling booths in 40 Assembly constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday. As of 1 p.m., the estimated voter turnout reached 44.08% in the third and final phase of the peaceful polls, suggesting that overall participation may surpass the figures from the previous phases, which recorded 62% and 58% turnout, respectively.
Early Voting and Enthusiastic Participation
Voting commenced at 7 a.m. across 5,060 polling stations, greeted by a bright autumn sun as voters exercised their democratic rights. In the Kashmir Valley, officials operated 1,842 polling stations with the help of over 8,000 polling staff, while they established 3,218 stations in the Jammu division, covering districts such as Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur. Voters in the Valley donned woolen clothing, while those in the Jammu division opted for summer attire.
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Special polling stations catered to Kashmiri migrants, with 11 located in Jammu, four in Delhi, and one in Udhampur district.
Community Spirit and Security Presence
In the Valley, voters lined up in Pattan, Sangrama, Kreeri, Tangmarg, Kunzar, and Uri, while traditional Dogri attire marked the festive mood in Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, and R.S. Pura. Areas near the international border in Samba, Kathua, and Jammu saw high enthusiasm, as voters exchanged greetings with security personnel stationed at polling sites.
Authorities implemented special arrangements for elderly, sick, and infirm voters, ensuring access to polling stations.
Voter Demographics
The highest turnout so far was recorded in the Bani Assembly seat of Kathua at 52.96%, while Sopore in Baramulla reported the lowest at 27.76%. Notably, the Gurez (ST) seat in Bandipora saw a turnout of 52.45%.
Among the voters were remarkable individuals, including a 106-year-old wheelchair-bound woman from Ramgarh (SC) in Samba and a 102-year-old resident from Udhampur. First-time voters, like teenagers Sanchita Kapoor in Basohli and Diya Hans in Samba, also participated.
Interestingly, the Kanyari Ghat polling station in the Sonawari Assembly constituency saw no voters, as residents expressed dissatisfaction with local civic amenities, including safe drinking water and roads. The Deputy Commissioner of Bandipora attempted to persuade voters to cast their ballots, but many insisted on assurances regarding their community issues first.
Security and Logistics
However, in this final phase, 39.18 lakh voters were eligible to decide the political fate of 415 candidates across several constituencies, including Jammu, Samba, Kathua, and Udhampur. Security personnel from the CRPF and J&K Police were deployed to ensure smooth polling operations. Security measures included area domination around polling stations and securing passage for polling staff and the public.
Polling will conclude at 6 p.m., with vote counting scheduled for October 8.
