jammu-and-kashmir-assembly

This is the story of the average Kashmiri - one who yearns for the continuation of peace and the prosperity it brings, even if it means a grudging acceptance of, rather than a wholehearted embrace of, "the new reality" ushered in by the abrogation of Article 370.

Bukhari had quit the National Conference in February 2022 after four decades long association following an argument with party president Farooq Abdullah over the Scheduled Tribe status.

Around 1.5 to 2 lakh people residing in various areas of Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts, particularly in the border regions, members of three communities — West Pakistan refugees (WPR), Valmikis, and Gurkhas — finally have domicile status following the abrogation of articles 370 and 35-A.

A total voter turnout of 65.48 per cent was recorded till 5 pm in the ongoing third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Assembly polls, the office of the chief election officer said on Tuesday evening.

Says his Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) will aim for permanent peace in Kashmir.

The highest voter turnout was recorded in the Chhamb constituency at 53.21 per cent, closely followed by the Gurez (ST) constituency at 52.45 per cent.

October 1 was a historic day for the Valmikis as they got to exercise their democratic rights for the first time since 1957 in the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) for the Assembly elections.

Voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election began at 7 am and has since witnessed increased voter participation in just over two hours.

Azad said, “I appeal to the people to vote wisely and choose their leaders and political figures carefully. The voters of Jammu and Kashmir have 11 to 12 hours today to cast their votes, and I appeal to all of them to cast their votes. I will not be speaking in favour of or against any party. The political party that comes to power will resolve the issues.”

In a post on X, Kharge said, "As voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections commences, I urge the people in these 40 Assembly seats to exercise their Democratic rights in large numbers." 

"Today is the second phase of voting for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. I appeal to all voters to cast their votes and play their important role in strengthening democracy," PM Modi said in a post on X.

Voters from 40 assembly constituencies, including 24 in Jammu division and 16 in Kashmir division, will decide the fate of 415 candidates, including prominent leaders such as former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Beig.