"Long queues of voters seen outside polling stations": DIG Shridhar Patil

Doda (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 18 (ANI): Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the Ramban, Kishtwar, and Doda Range, Shridhar Patil, stated that long queues of voters were visible outside polling stations since voting began on Wednesday morning in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
As polling continues for 24 assembly seats in Jammu and Kashmir, DIG Patil told ANI, "Polling is underway in the three districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban. People have been enthusiastic since voting began this morning. Almost 60 per cent of voting has taken place peacefully, with large queues outside polling stations. People are truly celebrating the festival of democracy."
Addressing a query regarding security arrangements, DIG Patil said, "Adequate security has been deployed in vulnerable and sensitive areas. Alongside the state police, we have sufficient deployment of the CAPF. The outer areas are dominated by the Army. All security forces are working in synergy."
On the recent terror attacks in Jammu, he added, "So far, we have succeeded in preventing any impact on the elections. The large voter turnout indicates that terrorists have not succeeded in their plans. People have responded to them."
Meanwhile, Kishtwar district recorded the highest voter turnout at 70.03 per cent by 3 pm in the first phase of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, according to data provided by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday.
The ECI further reported that Doda recorded a turnout of 61.90 per cent, Ramban 60.04 per cent, Kulgam 50.57 per cent, Shopian 46.84 per cent, and Anantnag 46.67 per cent. Pulwama district registered the lowest voter turnout at 36.90 per cent in this first phase. The total voter turnout stands at 50.65 per cent.
Voting, which commenced at 7 am today, is taking place across the Union Territory and will conclude at 6 pm.
Voting was briefly halted at a polling station in Bagwan Mohalla, Kishtwar, following a protest over the identification of voters. However, the situation was resolved, and voting resumed.
Kishtwar DM Rajesh Kumar Shavan clarified that the incident was due to confusion, and the situation returned to normal.
Notably, Kashmiri migrant voters also cast their ballots under heavy security at the ITI College Campus in Jammu.
Meanwhile, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in-charge for Jammu and Kashmir and National General Secretary Tarun Chugh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the people of the Union Territory turned out in large numbers, displaying enthusiasm each time the PM visited the region.
BJP's Kishtwar candidate, Shagun Parihar, criticised opposition candidates from the PDP and National Conference, accusing them of attempting to undermine her by claiming she was playing the victim card to gain sympathy.
In this first phase, 24 assembly constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir are voting today, comprising 16 seats in the Kashmir region and 8 in the Jammu region. Voting for the second and third phases in J&K will take place on September 25 and October 1, respectively. Vote counting is scheduled for October 8. (ANI)