Kupwara: State Election Commissioner (SEC) K K Sharma Saturday said that people’s participation and peaceful conduct of eight phased elections explicitly shows that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have reaffirmed their faith in democracy and democratic setup.
The SEC said this during his visit to DDC constituency Wavoora in district Kupwara today, an official press release said.
It said the SEC was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, P.K. Pole; Inspector General of Police, Vijay Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Anshul Garg; Additional Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Nazir Ahmad Lone and concerned RO.
The SEC said that polling and electoral process remained successful in Jammu & Kashmir and people voted enthusiastically, adding that about 40 percent voter turnout was registered in Kashmir Valley during last seven phases.
He said the objective of the State Election Commission was to conduct free and fair election which, he added, was committed with the people’s participation and hard-work of government functionaries.
Sharma added that all SOPs of COVID-19 were strictly implemented and masks and sanitizers were made available at polling stations.
Replying to media persons regarding extension of polling time beyond 2PM, the SEC said that 2PM concluding time is implemented across the country uniformly and the decision was implemented here also to ensure the security and safety of polling staff and police personnel.
He said the voters who were within the premises of polling stations, had voted smoothly, adding that people of Kashmir are well versed with their rights.
The SEC visited two polling stations — Potushai and Wavoora — where 220 out of 453 and 380 out of 505 voters had cast their votes till 12 noon respectively.
The SEC interacted with polling staff, party polling agents, health workers and security personnel and enquired about facilities and arrangements provided by administration, the press release said.
