For the first time, elections in Jammu and Kashmir are being held under global spotlight, with senior diplomats from 16 countries invited to observe voting at polling stations in the Union territory. The international observers on Wednesday voiced their validation of the polls, with the US diplomat describing them as "very healthy and very democratic" and the Singapore representative calling them "comparable" to elections in her country.
"It is great to see the enthusiasm... to see Kashmiris voting after a pause of 10 years. We are very excited to see the results... It looks very healthy and very democratic," US deputy chief of the mission in Delhi, Jorgan K Andrews, was quoted by PTI as saying.
"I am glad that all the voters showed up. That's wonderful to see," said Singapore deputy head of the mission in Delhi, Cheng Wei Wei Alice. South Korean diplomat Sang Woo Lim said it was special to witness how democracy works and appreciated the idea of all-women 'pink polling stations'.
Read full storyCongress MP Rahul Gandhi issued a stern warning to BJP-led Union government Wednesday, vowing that the opposition INDIA bloc will “hit the road and use full force” both inside Parliament and outside if J&K’s statehood is not restored after the ongoing assembly elections. The three-phase elections will wrap up on Oct 1, with votes counted on Oct 8.
Read full storyThe second phase of J&K assembly elections saw a 56% voter turnout across 26 constituencies under tight security. Voter enthusiasm was higher in Jammu division compared to Kashmir. Notable candidates include Omar Abdullah and Ravinder Raina. The final results will be announced on Oct 8.
Read full storyAs per the figures, the voting turnout stands out at 56.79 per cent till now, and the polling was peaceful overall. Some (foreign) delegates also visited some of the polling booths and expressed their satisfaction over the polling process.
We thought that the statehood (of Jammu & Kashmir) would be restored before the elections, and that was the right method. We want that your democratic right - the statehood of J&K - be restored at the earliest.
Polling going on peacefully in J-K; I congratulate people for taking part in festival of democracy with great enthusiasm.
I hope after (Congress MP) Rahul (Gandhi) is done campaigning in one or two seats in Kashmir, he focuses in Jammu. Ultimately, what the Congress does in Kashmir is not that important but what the Congress does in Jammu is important. Unfortunately, Congress hasn't done as much in the plains of Jammu as we would expect them to do
People have stepped out of their houses like it is a festival today. We have been seeing some morning that people have come out to vote. As far as security is concerned, we have made all arrangements. Wherever we felt that security was needed, security has been deployed...We have made adequate arrangements even in border areas, extra forces have been deployed. CAPF and Army are also deployed there.