The nine-phase panchayat elections began in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday amid heightened security. The two main parties, the NC and the PDP, and a few smaller Kashmir-based parties, have boycotted the polls over the Article 35A row. The parties had boycotted the urban local body (UBL) elections, too, in October over the same issue.
In the first phase, polling will be held in 47 blocks, including 16 blocks in Kashmir, 21 in Jammu and 10 in Ladakh region. The polls are being held after a delay of two years when the state is under Governor's rule. The poll timing is from 8am to 2pm.
The separatists have called for the boycott of the polls as usual. The counting of votes will be held on November 27.
It will be interesting to see how the rural areas, where panchayats command a good influence, respond in Kashmir. Last month's UBL polls had witnessed single-digit participation in Kashmir.
In Kashmir region, first phase polls will take place in Keran, Ramhal, Tarathpora, Teetwal, and Tangdar in Kupwara; Gurez, Baktoor, and Tulail in Bandipora; Kunzer, Uri, Parenpillan, Noorkah and Kandi-Belt Rafiabad in Baramulla; Gund in Ganderbal; Khanmoh in Srinagar and Khansahib in Budgam district.
In Jammu region, the areas that will witness polls are Dachhan, Bunjwah, Marwah, Padder and Warwan in Kishtwar district; Bhallessa, Changa, Jakyas and Chilli Pingal in Doda; Ramsoo and Khari in Ramban; Dudu Basantgarh, Latti Marothi, Panchari and Moungri in Udhampur; Bani and Duggan in Kathua; Manjakote and Panjgrain in Rajouri and Buffiaz and Surankote in Poonch.
In Ladakh region, Drass, Langnak, Barsoo, Tai Suru, Durbuk, Singay Lalok, Khanu, Nyoma, Rong and Rupsho will go to polls on Saturday.
In the first phase, 427 candidates are in the fray for 536 sarpanch halaqas, and 5,951 candidates for 4,048 panch wards in J&K, said Chief Electoral Officer Shaleen Kabra. Polls will be held at 3,296 polling stations across J&K, including 1,303 in Kashmir and 1,993 in Jammu division, on Saturday, he added.
Kabra said that 85 sarpanchs and 1,676 panchs have already been elected unopposed in phase one. He said 687 polling stations, including 491 in Kashmir and 196 in Jammu division, have been declared as hypersensitive.
In the first phase, 4,45,059 voters are entitled to vote for sarpanch seats and 2,72,792 for panch constituencies. The government has declared a holiday in the areas going to polls to enable the voters to cast their votes. Employees who have to go to other areas for voting will be granted special casual leave.
The central government offices will function as routine but the employees who wish to vote shall be provided facilities to exercise their franchise.
