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, Union Home Minster Amit Shah and other leaders have called upon the youth, women and first-time voters to exercise their franchise responsibly.

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.