Authorities have implemented strict measures, including prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the CrPC, to ensure a smooth and peaceful polling process.

The restrictions, effective from 6 pm on May 23 up to the close of polling on Monday, May 25, prohibit unlawful assemblies, processions, rallies, and public meetings related to the elections.

Since the announcement of Lok Sabha polls, the political landscape of the trans-Pir Panjal constituency sprang to life with political parties hosting a flurry of rallies, road shows, and conventions.

The rearranged Lok Sabha constituency following delimitation is spread across 18 assembly segments covering Anantnag, Kulgam, and Shopian districts of south Kashmir, as well as Rajouri and Poonch districts of Pir Panjal region.

Before the remapping of electoral territories by the Delimitation Commission, the seat was known as Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency, comprising four south Kashmir districts – Anantnag, Kulgam, Pulwama, and Shopian.

The constituency is poised to witness a nip and tuck contest between the former chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti, senior National Conference (NC) leader Mian Altaf Larvi, and Apni Party leader Zaffar Iqbal Manhas.

Additionally, Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) candidate Muhammad Saleem Parray is also vying for the seat.

The seat was earlier going to polls on May 7, but the Election Commission of India (ECI) deferred the polls at the request of parties other than NC and PDP, citing inclement weather conditions.

The last day of canvassing witnessed an electrifying campaign trail by different political parties across the constituency.

According to the official data, the parliamentary constituency has 18, 36,576 voters enrolled in the five districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Poonch, Rajouri, and district Shopian’s 36-Zainanpora assembly constituency, which includes 9,33,647 male, 9,02,902 female, and 27 third gender voters.

Around 17,967 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and 540 persons above the age of 100 years would cast their ballots in the parliamentary constituency.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 2338 polling stations across the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency.

Four election staff including Presiding Officers will be stationed at every polling station.

In total, more than 9000 polling staff including reserve will be deployed on duty.

There are 19 border polling stations in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch.

“The polling will be held from 7 am to 6 pm and before that there will be a mock poll in the presence of polling agents. Voting will continue even after 6 pm if the voters queue is still there on the polling station premises,” an official communiqué said.

The communiqué says that every polling station will be provided with Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) like drinking water, electricity, a toilet, a ramp, furniture, a verandah, and a shed besides wheelchairs.

The ballot units will also have a list of contesting candidates in Braille script.

Wherever required, there shall be separate queues for the senior citizens and PwDs so that they are facilitated at every polling station.

Additionally, there will be a voter help desk, manned by the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) to extend necessary help whenever required.

There will be 17 pink polling stations that will be managed by women, 15 polling booths manned by PwDs, and eight polling booths managed by youth.

Also to spread the message about the environment, there will be 15 green polling stations.

The purpose behind these special polling stations is to spread awareness among certain sections of society like women, PwDs, and first-time and young voters and to motivate them to come forward and exercise their right to vote.

“To facilitate the voters and also to increase voter turnout ratios, all voters have been provided with voter information slips with information like polling station name, date, time of the poll, serial number of voter in the list, his full name, and QR code but not the photograph of the voter. Hence, voter information slips would not be allowed as proof of the identity of voters. Proof of identity will be any document out of 12 documents including EPIC. The BLOs concerned have distributed 100 percent voter information slips,” the communiqué said.

People can also view details of the polling station, and parliamentary constituency, and get the contact details of the BLO and Electoral Registration Officer among other services through the Voter Helpline App (VHA).

This mobile app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

The documents which can be used for voter identification in addition to Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) include Aadhaar Card, MGNREGA job card, passbooks with photograph issued by bank or post office, health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labour, driving license, PAN card, smart card issued by RGI under NPR, passport, pension document with photograph, service identity cards with photograph issued to employees by the central, state government, PSUs, public limited companies, official identity cards issued to MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, and Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued by M/o Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

EPIC card is not mandatory for voting. If some voter has misplaced his or her EPIC card, any of the other mentioned documents can be used by him or her at the polling station.

To spread awareness among the voters, Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) emerged as a comprehensive programme aimed at reinforcing voter education and promoting active participation in the democratic process.

The need for SVEEP arises from the Election Commission of India’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the participation of every voter in this monumental celebration of democracy.

During the last few months, through various modes, SVEEP activities were undertaken in every nook and corner of the parliamentary constituency.

Various activities like appeal messages in print, electronic and social media through hoardings, banners, and radio jingles were carried out.

Street plays and the use of social media influencers and icons were also done.

Due to all these, the voter turnout is expected to be higher than the last Lok Sabha polls.

Home voting for those above 85 years of age and those with disability of more than 40 percent would be held at doorsteps for all those who have applied for it.

More than 600 journalists and camerapersons of print, electronic, and social media platforms have been provided with a pass to cover the polling without compromising the secrecy of the vote and without causing any inconvenience to the poll process.

Voter Turnout App will be used to display estimated provisional voter turnout details of each parliamentary constituency entered by the RO.

The media can also use the same application to capture estimated voter turnout data.

Approximate voter turnout data for each phase of the elections will be displayed through this app.

There will be two hourly reports of voting percentage from 9 am to the end of the poll.

The concerned ARO and RO will share the data with the media accordingly.

The updated figures will also be placed in the voter turnout app.

These figures are always subject to, normally upward correction as the final confirmed figures are collected after receiving the statutory forms from all polling stations.

So till these final figures are known, figures on the Voter Turnout App are to be always tentative.

All the polling stations in Anantnag-Rajouri will have CCTV-type cameras for live webcasting to control rooms established at the district and CEO offices.

The cameras will be positioned in such a way that they do not violate the secrecy of the vote.

There are few polling stations which fall in communication shadow areas.

Suitable alternate arrangements in the communication shadow areas by providing satellite phones, wireless sets, and special runners have been put in place.

Candidates and political parties needed to obtain prior permission for campaigning purposes and they sought online permission on the Suvidha app and portal.

So far, election officers accorded permission for 1920 applications and rejected 303.

In the entire J&K, from the date of announcement of elections, material and cash of around Rs 94.797 crore has been seized.

Cash, liquor, drugs, and other freebies have been seized by various enforcement departments.

Major department-wise seizures included seizures by the Police Department valuing Rs 90.83 crore, Income Tax Department 42 lakh, Excise Department 1.01 crore, and Narcotics Control Bureau 2.32 crore.

According to the communiqué, the public campaigning in areas of the Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency concluded at 6 pm on May 23, 48 hours before the elections, and no one including citizens, journalists, and politicians are allowed to partake in any such public activity.

Holding public meetings, conferences, and interviews in the parliamentary constituency has also been stopped.

This is done to give the voters a peaceful break from being influenced by campaigns so that they may make a considered decision while voting.

Political advertisements in print media can only be done after the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee’s (MCMC) prior clearance.

The sale of liquor, even from licensed shops, is also banned.

“To date, 143 grievances have been received on the CVIGIL app and more than 60 percent have been resolved in time and others are under resolution. For filing Model Code of Conduct (MCC) violation cases by citizens, the C-VIGIL app provides time-stamped evidentiary proof of the MCC, expenditure violation by empowering every citizen to click a photo or video using his or her smartphone,” the communiqué said.

It also said that to monitor various election-related activities and also check MCC compliance, a Command and Control Room has been established at the CEO’s office in Srinagar and Jammu.

Similar mini-control rooms have also been established in every DEO office which are functioning 24×7.

All electronic media channels and social media platforms are monitored here and any violation so detected is reported and the concerned RO and ARO issues notice.

Apart from looking for MCC violations, the control room also has a live feed of 100 percent polling stations and GPS vehicle tracking of all vehicles being used for poll parties.

The communiqué said that as per the latest instructions of the ECI, special polling stations have been established for migrant voters of the Kashmir division.

A total of 26 special polling stations have been established with 21 polling stations in Jammu, four in Delhi, and one in Udhampur district.

Special polling station-wise extract voter list will be with BLOs.

“The ECI is committed to providing basic facilities in all the polling stations and giving better experience to voters. Voters are requested to participate in a maximum number in the biggest festival of the largest democracy of the world,” the communiqué said.

The post LS Poll-2024  | Anantnag-Rajouri: Campaign Over, Ballots Await appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Accompanied by DIG North Kashmir (NKR), Vivek Gupta, the IGP met all the district police chiefs and other zonal and sector police officers ahead of the 5th phase of India’s Parliamentary Elections 2024. North Kashmir’s Baramulla Parliamentary Constituency will also be voting tomorrow.

The IGP also checked the distribution of polling material even as he supervised the polling parties as they dispatched, said an official handout.

The Kashmir police chief was also briefed about “the deployment plans, security and contingency arrangements and polling party management,” read the handout.

He was also informed about the measures taken by police to ensure “free, fair, and peaceful elections.”

Earlier today DGP R. R. Swain and IGP Kashmir also visited Heerpora in south Kashmir’s Shopian where they also reviewed the security after a former Sarpanch was gunned down last night.

The post Be alert to ensure successful elections: IGP Kashmir to personnel ahead of 5th phase of polling appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

In Madhya Pradesh, weather remains a significant concern with temperatures soaring above 43 degrees Celsius in areas like Bhind, Morena, and Gwalior, surpassing the usual norms.

Some prominent figures such as Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Jyotiraditya Scindia, and Digvijaya Singh are contesting in Madhya Pradesh. With nearly 1.8 crore voters and 118 candidates in the fray, voting started at 7 am till 6 pm. Here again witnesses said that heavier turnout took place during the morning and evening hours.

The Election Commission has taken measures to mitigate the impact of the scorching heat by providing water and shelter at polling booths after witnessing a decline in turnout during the first two rounds.

In a bid to avoid long waits, voters devised strategies to arrive at polling stations early in the morning. India is grappling with one of its hottest summers on record, continuing a trend observed in recent years. The extreme heat has taken its toll, with incidents like federal minister Nitin Gadkari fainting during a campaign rally in Maharashtra due to crowded venues and high temperatures.

Similar incidents have occurred elsewhere, such as in Kolkata, where temperatures soared above 43 degrees Celsius, causing a television anchor to faint while presenting weather updates. She attributed the incident to the failure of cooling systems in the studio, resulting in unbearable heat.

Unfortunately, there seems to be no relief in sight as India’s weather department has forecasted longer and more intense heat waves for May. As voters navigate the challenging conditions to exercise their democratic rights, staying hydrated and protected from the heat remains a top priority.

The post Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh voters brave sweltering heat to cast ballots appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Quoting official data, news agency KNO reported that a total of 17,43,845 electorates are going to decide the fate of the 24 candidates in the fray for the Lok Sabha polls in Srinagar seat.

Among 17-lakh candidates, over 2-lakh are the first-time voters, who are in the age group of 18-20 and will be exercising their franchise for the first time on May 13, 2024.

As per the data there are 8,73,426 males and 8,70,368 females while 51 others are transgender.

Officials said that the arrangements have been almost finalized for 2135 Polling Stations, set up at 1323 locations in 18 Assembly Segments.

The Assembly Segments include 17-Kangan and 18-Ganderbal, 19-Hazratbal, 20-Khanyar, 21-Habbakadal, 22-LalChowk, 23-Chanapora, 24-Zadibal, 25-Eidgah 26-Central Shalteng, 29-Khansahib, 30-Char-i-Sharief, 31-Chadoora, 32-Pampore, 33-Tral, 34-Pulwama, 35-Rajpora and 37-Shopian.

According to the details, 260 Polling Stations have been set up in two Assembly Segments of Ganderbal, 929 Polling Stations have been set up at 8 Assembly Segments of Srinagar, 345 in 3 Assembly Segments of Budgam, 479 Polling Stations in 4 Assembly Segments of Pulwama and 122 Polling Stations in one Assembly Segments of Shopian.

Pertinently, Srinagar constituency has been the bastion of the National Conference (NC) as the candidates from the party have secured the seat 12 times so far out of 15 parliamentary elections since 1947.

The party has faced a defeat once only so far in 2014 when Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Tariq Hameed Karra defeated his rival Dr Farooq Abdullah.

However, the party didn’t field its candidates in 1996 Lok Sabha elections and also supported an Independent candidate, S A Shamim in 1971. He was supported by “Mahaz Raishumari Front” headed by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah.

The constituency is expected to witness a tough competition in the upcoming polls while the prominent candidates including National Conference’s Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, PDP’s Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra and Apni Party’s Muhammad Ashraf Mir are vying for the seat.

Returning Officer (RO), Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency, Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-din told KNO the arrangements are being finalized, saying that the web casting and micro observers will be kept at all the polling stations.

He further stated that the voter awareness under the SVEEP campaign is in full swing and they are expecting a massive voter turnout in this election. “This time around, there is a great enthusiasm among the voters as laws passed in the parliament will be applicable on J&K as well,” he said.

The post Two lakh first time voters to cast their ballot in Srinagar on May 13 appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Talking to reporters in south Kashmir’s Trichil village of south Kashmir’s Pulwama district, Bukhari said, “I will support the party at Center that will restore our statehood, release our youth and provide them with a chance to live with dignity,” he said.

In response to a question regarding the recent terror attack in Poonch, Bukhari said that such occurrences did not necessarily reflect the presence of militancy.

“Such isolated incidents may continue to take place. There are some elements who participate in the electoral process on one hand, but desire such incidents on the other hand,” he said.

Bukhari said that New Delhi was taking steps to connect with people of Jammu and Kashmir. “It was for the first time that the Home Minister of India said that AFSPA will be revoked and
the Prime Minister himself stated that the statehood will be restored,” he said.

Bukhari said that he guaranteed the protection of land and jobs from New Delhi. He
said that people could not see the distinction between the pre-and-post 2019 peri-
ods because safeguards for land and jobs were ensured by him.

Earlier, while addressing a public rally, Bukhari affirmed his commitment to securing the release of
incarcerated youth and get the ban lifted on the institutions of particular schools of thought.

“It is my promise that I will get the incarcerated youth and religious leaders out of jails. We are living in a secular country and every community here has a right to preach his religion,” he said.

Launching a tirade on National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, Bukhari said that when these parties signed an agreement with New Delhi and formed a government with it then it was considered as acceptable. “But when I side with New Delhi, I am labelled a B-team” , he said.

He said that both NC and PDP were the part of BJP and there was no distinction between Vajpayee’s BJP or Modi’s BJP. “The BJP is an ideological party. There is no distinction between the two BJPs,” he said.

Bukhari also criticised the PDP’s past demand of introducing double currency. “

Now Where such demands have gone”, he said.

The post Will support that party at centre which restores statehood: Apni Party President appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Sajad Kargili opted out of election race and threw weight behind Haji Hanifa, NC leader and joint candidate of NC and Congress from Kargil.

Yesterday, during the scrutiny three nomination papers were rejected by the election authority. The last date for withdrawal of the candidature is May 6.

Ladakh Lok Sabha constituency, the largest in the country with a total area of 173.266 sq km and more than 1.82 lakh voters, will go to polls in the fifth phase of elections on May 20.

In a significant development amid to put up a united face, the prominent social-political activist from Kargil, Sajjad Hussain Kargili on Sunday announced that he will not contest the upcoming Parliament elections and will withdraw his nomination papers and support the joint candidate Haji Hanifa Jan from Kargil. The decision was taken in meeting between senior political and religious leaders including contesting candidate for Ladakh Lok Sabha seat Haji Hanifa Jan, former Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil Feroz Ahmed Khan and President Anjuman Jamiat Ulema Isna Ashriya Kargil Sheikh Nazir Mohammad. Sajjad Kargili is a member of AJUIAK and Kargil Democratic Alliance.

Announcing the decision, President AJUIAK Sheikh Nazir Mohammad said that in the larger issues interest of Ladakh particularly Kargil district and to maintain unity among people they have asked Sajjad Kargili not to contest the upcoming Parliament elections.

Reacting to the development, Sajjad Kargili said that he had authorised the president AJUIAK to decide whatever they feel good for the larger interest of Kargil, Ladakh. He said that he will withdraw his nomination papers and support joint candidate Haji Hanifa Jan and hope he comes up to the expectations of people of Ladakh.

Notably, of the three remaining candidates, BJP’s Tashi Gyalson and Congress’ Tsering Namgyal are from

Leh. Haji Haneefa Jan who has been fielded jointly by National Conference and Congress leadership of Kargil. Although the Congress has official announced the candidature of Tsering Namgayal from Leh.

Ladakh has a total number of 1, 82, 571 voters, including 91,703 male and 90,867 female voters. It is going to polls on May.

The post 3 candidates in fray for Ladakh parliamentary seat appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Talking to reporters in south Kashmir’s Tral area, Ruhullah said that it was very unfortunate that the institutions here were working on the directions of a particular political party.

He was referring to the recent rescheduling of polls in the Anantnag – Rajouri seat.

“In 2014, we requested the Election Commission to defer the elections for a few months to allow people to recover from the effects of devastating floods, but the Commission did not accede to our justified request and held the polls on its times,” he said.

Ruhullah said that the elections this time were deferred on the directives of a particular party. “Even the poll date was announced and campaigning had begun. It raises questions about the Election Commission it self,” he said.

Ruhullah said that he did not know what plans the BJP have up it’s sleeve. “The party is devising some plans for their proxies that is why they need some more time,”he said. He said that he was sure that the people would give them a befitting reply.

Ruhullah said that it was imperative to encourage people to speak up for themselves and their rights. “ During these events, we are talking about those decisions about whom the people wanted to speak over the last four years, but they were not allowed to do that”, he said.

“Through these road shows we are trying to give people the courage to speak for their rights”, he added.

NC candidate said that the issue that they would raise in parliament needed to be first discussed among the people.

The post Election Delay | Institutions working on directions of particular party: Ruhullah appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

In an exclusive interview with ‘Greater Kashmir’, CEO, however, points out that the nature of challenges actually varies from constituency to constituency, hence every phase has (had) its peculiar issues to address.

According to him, in the case of Jammu region, at least, in the case of phase-I, which is over and phase-II, for which polling is scheduled on April 26, 2024, there have not been so many challenges.

“Comparatively Kashmir parliamentary constituencies will be more challenging but we’re well prepared to ensure peaceful polling in a transparent manner,” he asserts.

Pole affirms that the Election department, in perfect synergy with the security agencies, has made all the desired arrangements to address any kind of challenge, be it related to security, terrain or vagaries of weather.

Following are the excerpts from the interview wherein CEO Pole gives a detailed account of vigorous efforts of the Election department and other agencies to ensure ongoing parliamentary elections as a seamless, credible, transparent democratic exercise for all the stakeholders, particularly for the electorate:

GK: How will you describe the first phase of the parliamentary polls which has been successfully completed on April 19, 2024?

CEO: Election process for first phase has been completed peacefully as per norms of Election Commission. In the first phase of polling for Udhampur parliamentary constituency, around 16.23 lakh electors had enrolled and 2637 polling booths were established in five districts.

GK: During the General Elections 2024, many ‘firsts’ have been introduced. So how is this election different from the previous elections?

CEO: Yes, that is true. But this is not the first time. This has always been an endeavour on the part of the Election Commission of India (ECI) over the years and they bring new interventions in every election. With a vision to improve and augment the process, they (ECI) minutely and persistently scrutinise electoral exercise and take notice of scope for improvement. So wherever in the past electoral exercises, it notices some discrepancies or finds a room for improvement, it does everything possible to make it a seamless exercise and enhances experience in the next election. Thus, every election vis-a-vis the past elections is different, on many accounts.

Following the same exercise (to adopt improved rather best, up-to-date, innovative practices), in 2024 elections, some novel additions have been made or new practices have been introduced e.g., National Level Master Trainings; State Level Master Trainings. Difference is that this has been made an institutionalised training. Earlier, trainers used to be trained only when the electoral exercise would begin. Process (Training) would end with the culmination of the election process. But now as they have attained the status of institutionalised persons, they will keep themselves abreast with the changes. They will be almost like permanent institutions.

GK: Will this training go on throughout the year?

CEO: See, like they may not be doing (or imparting) training in Jammu and Kashmir but somewhere else, there may be elections – assembly, Councils etc. They will participate in the training. They will do the training there also. They are National Level Master Trainers.

Secondly, with regard to new interventions, this time, many new (advanced) technologies are being used. Like earlier, there would be only C-Vigil where citizens could lodge their grievances. But now, even the candidates and political parties too don’t need to visit government offices to seek permissions. They apply on “Suvidha” app and procure permissions.

Then, the specially-abled persons, if they have to enquire about the facilities available in the polling stations for them or if they have to get their disability marked in the (electoral) rolls, they can easily do so by using “Saksham” app.

In addition, there is a Voter Turnout app to facilitate media persons. Like earlier they (media persons) had to visit offices to get updates on voter turnout but now every two-hourly voter turnout, assembly-wise, would be available on this app on a real-time basis. Similarly, there’s a voter helpline app. So, the Commission has started using a number of apps, portals and technology for updating the entire electoral process; enhancing the experience and facilitating all stakeholders.

GK: What have been your major challenges while making poll related arrangements so far, in terms of security or otherwise? Particularly, when Rajouri and Poonch in Jammu region too have witnessed an uptick in terror related incidents in the recent past.

CEO: Basically, in the case of Jammu division, prevalence of militancy is not much there, in comparative terms. Especially, at least, in the case of phase-I and phase-II (areas), there have not been so many challenges here, until now. Still, from our side, all desired preparations have been made.

If you talk of challenges, their nature varies from place to place and phase to phase. There are varied challenges we encounter at different places.

In the case of Kashmir, you don’t have terrain-related challenges. You don’t have connectivity issues there. But in the case of Udhampur-Kathua-Doda parliamentary constituency, which went to polls in phase-I on April 19, there were many terrain-related issues e.g., treacherous hilly terrains, narrow roads, new roads (being constructed under PMGSY). In several areas, our (polling) parties had to trek several kilometers to reach designated polling stations. In Kishtwar district, in areas like Marwah, Warwan and Dachchan, we had to airlift polling teams.

But we tried to address all these challenges in a proper manner.

In terms of security-related challenges, the concerned (security) agencies make all the desired arrangements.

Everything I cannot divulge regarding preparations, related to security. Yet with regard to the ensuing phases, in the case of Kashmir, I’ll say that sufficient arrangements have been made. Adequate deployment (of security forces) will be made.

In any case, deployment of security forces varies from (parliamentary) constituency to constituency; area to area. As we proceed from first phase to second phase and then the next, deployment is made (phase-wise), as per the requirement of that very particular constituency, keeping in view its (security-related) requirements.

GK: As per its requisition, has J&K been provided with security forces for adequate deployment in sensitive areas, in terms of security?

CEO: That aspect is mainly taken care of by the Police department.

GK: There was a direction that Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will distribute voter (information) slips, five to six days before the polling date to facilitate them (voters) in tracking their polling station and serial numbers in the lists. But in the first phase, there had been complaints that these slips were not issued in time. Many voters did not get it.

CEO: See, there may be little confusion in understanding the perspective. Voter Information slip is not in lieu of the EPIC (Elector’s Photo Identity Card). Slip is just to inform the voter about the polling station, timing of polling and (voter’s) serial number in the voter list. For voting, the voters have to carry either a voter-card (EPIC) or one of alternate twelve documents specified (which have a photograph of the voter). Since voter information slip does not have a photograph, it does not verify the identity of the voter.

GK: There were few complaints related to the first-time voters as their names were not there in the voter lists, they were not allowed to vote.

CEO: As CEO, I may not be in a position to comment on a particular case without knowing the facts. However, if it pertained to the first-time voters, who would have turned 18 on April 1, 2024, they would not get their EPIC immediately. It will take some time to get EPIC. But that does not mean that they are prevented from voting. They can show any of the remaining twelve documents including Aadhaar card; PAN card; driving licence; school/colleges’ Identity Card and they can cast votes provided their names figure in the voter list.

If their names are not there in the voter list it means they would not have turned 18 on April 1, 2024.

As per new provisions, now one can apply for a voter card in advance. Suppose if I’m going to turn 18 on September 29, 2024, I can apply in advance, even right now. My application (for EPIC) will become eligible on October 1, 2024. There are quarterly eligibility dates.

GK: In your perspective as in-charge of the poll process in J&K, which is going to be the most challenging phase?

CEO: Definitely, the valley’s parliamentary constituencies have more security related issues.

GK: Are all three (Kashmir) valley constituencies equally challenging?

CEO: I cannot exactly tell this as I don’t have a yardstick to measure that. But the valley, definitely, comparatively would be more challenging than Jammu. But we’re well prepared to tackle all challenges.

GK: In the first phase, capricious weather had been a major challenge. It may be a challenge in upcoming phases as well, so, how you are handling vagaries of weather to ensure that they don’t impact seamless electoral exercise.

CEO: Yes, that’s true. Weather was pretty bad in the first phase at several places. We get hourly weather inputs which we pass on to the ground level (polling teams at the ground level) to tweak the arrangements accordingly to ensure that electoral exercise remains a seamless affair.

GK: Did weather impact first phase polling?

CEO: Not that much. But definitely, it does cause inconvenience but as far as poll percentage is concerned, no major impact has been there.

But I definitely want to express my gratitude to the voters of the first parliamentary constituency as they came forward despite inclement weather and exercised their right to vote in such a large percentage.

Also, I express my gratitude to the polling staff as they performed their duties diligently in more than 2600 polling stations despite hostile weather conditions.

GK: Major concern of all political parties and politicians, mainly those belonging to the opposition, has been with regard to the level-playing field. ECI and even you, as J&K CEO have reiterated commitment to ensure it (level-playing field). What are the specific measures taken by you to ensure it? How many grievances have you received on this account?

CEO: See the first and foremost measure on this account is to give them (candidates) different permissions.  So, we are giving permissions on a ‘First come, first serve’ basis. Further to facilitate them, they have to give online applications on Suvidha (portal) app.

Whenever a candidate files an application, it (app) displays the exact time (of filing an application). Therefore, none can say the administration has not allowed his or her application to give precedence to someone else.

For example, there is some ground and two or more candidates want to hold an election rally there on a particular date. So, permission will be granted to the person, who applies first on ‘Suvidha’, irrespective of the fact that the candidate is from a national party or a state party or for that matter an independent. This is the first thing (measure).

Secondly, all candidates have been provided with the security. They may be independent or the nominees of state or national parties.

Third thing (measure) is – all the rules and regulations like under MCC (Model Code of Conduct) and others are applied equally.

Even during phase-I, we have issued notices to the candidates (or parties) who have violated it (rules). We have not seen whether the party is a national party or state party or the candidate is independently contesting.

GK: How many complaints or grievances have you received?

CEO: More than 75 grievances, we have received on c-Vigil app related to MCC violations. Notices are issued by the concerned Deputy Commissioners (DEOs).

GK: During these elections, flag or route marches, being conducted by the police along with other security forces, are being seen as a noteworthy step. What is the significance of this measure? How is it crucial to the election process?

CEO: See, these are part of Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) taken by the police (law enforcement). CBMs are of varied nature. Like, a senior police officer holds a public meeting to listen to their (people’s) security related grievances and tries to address them. So, a police-public meeting is one of the ways of Confidence Building Measures.

Second way is flag marches. These generate confidence among people that the forces are nearby. They are visible. Whenever the need arises, they will be there; they will reach in time.

Thirdly, they (police and other security forces) take many preventive actions like the past offenders are bound down under 107/109 provisions of CrPC.

In the rarest of rare cases, preventive detentions are made. They all come under preventive measures. Similarly, if there are local arms licences, they are asked to deposit to prevent their misuse (during election process.

Police do undertake various measures for building confidence among the public and one of these measures is flag marches.

The post Poll phases in Kashmir to be challenging yet adequate arrangements in place: CEO Pole appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

Bukhari made the announcement at a press conference here. “Our party has decided to support Sajad Lone Sahab in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency. We appeal to people to vote for Apni Party candidates in Srinagar and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies and for Sajad  Lone sahab in Baramulla. We are very much hopeful that Sajad Lone sahab will emerge victorious  with our party’s support since we have significant support base in north Kashmir also like other parts of the Valley,” he said.

Asked whether Lone’s party will also support Apni Party candidates in Srinagar and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies, Bukhari said that the PC President has already made an announcement in this regard. “Sajad Lone sahab has a bigger heart than me and had already announced his support to our two candidates in Srinagar and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies. Today we announced our support for him in Baramulla,” he said.

Bukhari said that Apni Party has emerged as a credible political alternative. He added that other likeminded parties have high hopes from it and  are seeking support to defeat the traditional parties.

Some days back,  Lone had appealed Bukhari to support him in Baramulla. The PC leader had stated that Apni Party support to him was important to prevent division of votes and was equally vital for defeating National Conference there.  He  had also said that that NC candidates used to win in past mostly due to the division of votes among the other parties’ candidates.

National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah has already announced to contest from Baramulla constituency.  PDP has decided to field former MP (Rajya Sabha) Fayaz  Ahmad Mir from there.

At the press conference today , Bukhari advised the leaders of traditional parties, National Conference, PDP and Congress, to retire from politics as they have done enough of deceptive and deceitful politicking for decades.

“During the last 70 years they only brought tragedies and miseries for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. They are power hungry and did everything for power. And today when the people are facing enormous problems on different fronts these very politicians are more concerned about their family interests,” he said.

Apni Party President asked that why would people vote for NC, PDP and Congress when these parties have done nothing for them. “When Article 370 was abrogated everybody was waiting that three National Conference members in Lok Sabha and two PDP members in Rajya Sabha will resign as a mark of protest. But this did not happen,” he said.

Bukhari asked why did not NC, PDP and Congress leaders did not do something for the release of hundreds of jailed youth or for safeguarding the rights of J&K people on land and jobs. “We met the Prime Minister not for our own interests but for the interests of our people and ensured that our people get rights on land and jobs,” he said.

The Apni Party President said that his party also facilitated the release of number of jailed youth. “There are still hundreds of youth in jails and hundreds of verification of youth are pending. Statehood has to get restored. Our party is working in this direction. Our plea to traditional parties is not to exploit our people particularly  our youth emotionally , which they are doing for last 70 years. Our destiny lies with India and it has been decided in 1947. Yes, sometimes New Delhi gave us wounds. If they gave us wounds and pain they only can provide the healing touch,” he said.

Asked about PDP President Mehbooba Mufti’s statement that polls this time is for a cause to send a strong voice to parliament, the Apni Party President said that she had such causes in the past also but everybody knows what happened later. “Mehbooba Ji is like a sister to me. I do not want to say anything but since you asked this question  I am replying. Mehbooba ji had also a cause in 2019 when she formed the Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). PAGD was the last hope for  people. But  what she did to PAGD?  She disintegrated it . Mehbooba Ji is wholly responsible for what happened with PAGD,” he said.

To a question as to why the  senior Apni Party leader Usman Majid is not at the press conference today while all other senior leaders are there, Bukhari told the media person not to try to read too much between the lines. ” What you think is not the case. Usman sahab is unwell since yesterday evening and has not been able to come,” he said

Asked about Usman Majid’s  statement  yesterday that he wants Apni Party to contest from Baramulla constituency ,  Bukhari said, ” Usman sahab is our senior colleague. He has every right to have his opinion and we respect it. But ultimately the decision of majority prevails. You see all the assembly constituency heads of Apni Party from north Kashmir are here. So is the district President of Bandipora. Usman sahab is in Apni Party not because of anybody, nor am I or anybody else in the party because of somebody else. We all came  together  and formed Apni Party in difficult times and presented the aspirations of people. We tried our level best to get their problems solved and will continue to do so. Our’ s is not a party run by a dynasty. It is the party of common people. Unlike dynasty run parties you will always see the common people in this party and not our family members,” he said.

About the  recent visit of BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh to his residence Bukhari said he keeps on visiting him,” I was unwell on that day and Chugh sahib came had lunch. I called Sajad sahab also there. Chugh sahab keeps on visiting me,” he said.

The post Apni Party will support Sajad Lone in Baramulla LS constituency: Altaf Bukhari appeared first on Greater Kashmir.

He said that the “majority of Kashmiris have been the victims of brutality, imprisonment, torture, unjust detentions under the PSA, and extrajudicial executions at the hands of a powerful 1% minority of the National Conference.”

NC has contributed to create martyrs’ graveyards in almost every village and town, Lone made these remarks while addressing a large gathering in Nihalpora area of Pattan in north Kashmir’s Baramulla.

Lone is fighting JKNC’s Vice President and the former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from the Baramulla constituency.

Lone said the JKNC were at the helm of affairs when thousands of innocent Kashmiris were killed.

“They implemented oppressive laws such as POTA and PSA. They also made police verification mandatory, pushing people to the wall,” he asserted.

Lone was seen wearing a multi-coloured turban as he continued to attack NC, saying, “despite all their oppression, they shamelessly seek to portray majority of victims as the agents of Delhi.”

“They must answer for their 50-year rule post-1975, characterized by developmental stagnation, oppression of Kashmiris, incarcerations and their shameful complicity during the abrogation of Article-370. If they can address these issues convincingly, we shall extend our sincerest apologies,” Lone said as per an official press release from his office.

Criticising Omar Abdullah, Lone said that Omar endorsed human rights violations during his tenure under the Vajpayee government amid unrest in Kashmir.

While terming the upcoming Lok Sabha polls as pivotal, Lone asked people to rally behind his party.

“I pledge to represent the people’s grievances and aspirations in the Parliament with unwavering courage and conviction,” he said.

The gathering, attended by thousands of dedicated workers, witnessed a significant moment as senior political leader Riyaz Ahmad Sheikh from Singpora, Pattan and  a social activist Irshad Pandit from Sariwarpora officially embraced the party.

The post Majority of Kashmiris victims of torture, unjust detentions, extrajudicial killings by NC: Sajad Lone appeared first on Greater Kashmir.