West Pakistani refugees Monday flocked to polling stations to exercise their right to vote after gaining their citizenship following the abrogation of Article 370, terming it a gift from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The demonstrators have accused the PoJK government of ignoring their plight for more than two decades, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and job insecurity.
A voter turnout of 56.01 percent has been recorded till 3 pm in the third and final phase of ongoing Assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Election Commission of India.
The third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir saw a cumulative voter turnout of 44.08 per cent as of 1 pm on Tuesday, as per the Election Commission of India.
A National Conference candidate from the Pattan Assembly constituency, Riyaz Bedar, alleged that Jammu and Kashmir's participation in the election was excluded for 10 years.
Among crowds of enthusiastic voters in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls, persons with disabilities, both young and old, were at the forefront, including a 100 year-old elderly woman in Bandipora.
The third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir saw a cumulative voter turnout of 28.12 per cent as of 11 am on Tuesday, as per the Election Commission of India.
Elaborate security arrangement has been put in place for polling in Sopore city of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district as voting is underway for the third phase of Assembly polls in the Union Territory. SSP Sopore Divya D said that security arrangements are in place and everything was goi
"First of all, you have to understand that such elections are being held for the first time in the last 30-35 years where there was no strike call from Pakistan, nor was there any boycott call, nor was there 8-10 per cent voting like before. That is why I said that in true sense, the democra
State BJP President and candidate from Nowshera Assembly seat Ravinder Raina said that a large number of people are voting in the last phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and voting percentage has been unexpected.
"All voters are requested to come out of their homes in large numbers and vote for INDIA. Your every vote for INDIA will secure the foundation of the future of Jammu and Kashmir and will give you the strength to fight for your rights," said Rahul Gandhi.