Voting began for the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, first time since the abrogation of Article 370, as 24 constituencies spread over seven districts of the Union Territory went to polls in Phase 1 amid tight security arrangements.

Over 23 lakh voters will decide the fate of 219 candidates, including 90 Independents, who are running for 24 assembly segments — eight in three districts of Jammu region and 16 in four districts of Kashmir valley.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, September 18 urged the people in Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers and strengthen the festival of democracy. Similarly, Congress general secretary Mallikarjun Kharge, J&K L-G Manoj Sinha, home minister Amit Shah and other leaders have called upon the youth, women and first-time voters to exercise their franchise responsibly.

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Prominent candidates in Kashmir include CPI (M)‘s Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who is seeking a fifth consecutive term from Kulgam segment. AICC general secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir is hoping for a third term from Dooru, while National Conference’s Sakina Itoo is seeking another term from Damhal Hajipora. However, all eyes will be on Srigufwara-Bijbehara and Pulwama assembly segments where PDP’s Iltija Mufti and Waheed Para are contesting polls, respectively.

A general alert has been sounded in the entire Union Territory, especially the cities of Jammu and Srinagar. Additional checkpoints have been set up to search pedestrians and vehicles. Cameras and drones are being used to assist the security agencies to maintain vigil in volatile pockets.