Peaceful Polls in Jammu and Kashmir:

Peaceful Polls in Jammu and Kashmir: Election Commission Declares Nefarious Intent Defeated

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The Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) assembly elections, which concluded on October 1, 2024, have been hailed as a resounding success by the Election Commission of India (EC). Despite concerns about violence and disruptions, the polls were marked by a high voter turnout and an unprecedented level of peacefulness. The EC has declared that "nefarious intent" has been defeated, as the elections unfolded smoothly without major law and order incidents.

Record Voter Turnout

The three-phase election process saw a cumulative voter turnout of 63.45%, surpassing recent Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory. The final phase, which concluded on October 1, recorded a turnout of 65.65% (provisional). The EC attributed this success to its intensive efforts to expand the electorate, with a 23% increase in total voters and a 28% rise in female electors.

Unique Polling Stations

Innovative measures were taken to ensure the smooth conduct of polls in sensitive areas. New, specially designed polling stations were set up near the Line of Control (LoC) and international border, including Poonch, Rajouri, Samba, Jammu, Baramulla, Bandipora, Kathua, and Kupwara. These stations were equipped with state-of-the-art security features to ensure the safety of voters and poll officials.

Seizures and Anti-Corruption Efforts

The EC reported significant seizures of cash, liquor, and other illegal materials, totaling over ₹100 crores (approximately $13.5 million USD). These seizures were the highest ever in J&K, underscoring the commission's commitment to curbing money and muscle power.

Valmiki Community's First-Time Voting

A notable aspect of the elections was the participation of the Valmiki community, who voted for the first time in the assembly polls. Community members, including 74-year-old grandmothers and 22-year-old young adults, exercised their franchise, terming it a "historic moment" and a "big festival" for them.

EC Chief's Assessment

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar hailed the polls as a "new chapter" in J&K's electoral history, stating, "As announced by me in J&K on August 16, EC has delivered these elections with no violence or repolls, and the world has witnessed the defeat of nefarious intentions."

Key Takeaways

1. The J&K assembly elections concluded peacefully, with no major law and order incidents.
2. The voter turnout surpassed recent Lok Sabha elections, with a cumulative figure of 63.45%.
3. The EC reported significant seizures of illegal materials, totaling over ₹100 crores.
4. The Valmiki community voted for the first time in the assembly polls, marking a historic moment for them.
5. The EC's efforts expanded the electorate by 23% and female electors by 28%.

In conclusion, the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections have set a new standard for democratic resilience in the region. The EC's commitment to ensuring a peaceful and participatory process has been vindicated, and the people of J&K have exercised their franchise in a manner that reflects their desire for a more inclusive and representative government.