Srinagar, Sep 18 (V7N)-  Polling is underway in 24 of the 90 constituencies in the first phase of the assembly elections in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. This marks the first time Kashmiris are voting after more than a decade. Of the 24 constituencies, 16 are located in the Kashmir region, while eight are in Jammu. A total of 909 candidates from various political parties, including the National Conference, PDP, BJP, Congress, and independents, are contesting the elections.

These are the first assembly elections held since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which revoked Jammu and Kashmir's special status and bifurcated the state into two union territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Tight security has been deployed across the region to ensure peaceful voting, from the plains to the mountainous areas.

This election is being conducted in three phases. In the first phase, 24 constituencies are voting today. The second phase, involving 26 constituencies, is scheduled for September 25, and the final phase, covering 40 constituencies, will take place on October 1.

This election is seen as a significant milestone in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape following the revocation of its special status.