Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Polls Phase 1: Voting Begins Amid High Security

The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has started, with voting taking place across seven districts. Over 23.27 lakh voters are eligible to vote for 24 constituencies in the Chenab Valley and South Kashmir regions. This marks the first assembly polls since Article 370’s abrogation in August 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to vote actively. Key candidates include CPI(M)’s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, AICC’s Ghulam Ahmad Mir, and PDP’s Iltija Mufti. High security measures are in place, including checkpoints, drones, and surveillance cameras.