Border villagers in Jammu recently demonstrated their commitment to democracy by voting in large numbers during the assembly elections. The Jammu District Magistrate emphasized the importance of these constituents, stating that their participation is crucial for upholding democratic values at the country’s frontline.
Voting in Border Areas
The border regions of Jammu, particularly in Kathua and Samba districts, are located along the international border and the Line of Control (LoC). In the Akhnoor division of Jammu district, 42 polling stations were established to facilitate voting. These areas are often sensitive due to their proximity to conflict zones, which necessitated the implementation of contingency plans to ensure safety during the voting process. Deputy Divisional Police Officer Akhnoor, SP Mohan Lal Sharma, confirmed that such plans are always in place at border polling stations.
High Voter Turnout
Voting began at 7 a.m., and villagers showed remarkable enthusiasm, forming long lines outside polling stations. Some polling stations continued to operate into the evening as people remained eager to cast their votes. The voter turnout reflected this enthusiasm:
- Akhnoor Border Assembly constituency: 79%
- Chamb: 79.70%
- Hiranagar: 72%
- Ramgarh: 76.50%
At a polling station set up at Government Higher Secondary School Pagwal, hundreds of voters were seen waiting since morning. Ganesh Kumar, a voter from Akhnoor Chammb, shared his experience of waiting for over an hour due to the high number of voters at his polling station.
The active participation of border villagers in Jammu’s elections highlights their dedication to democracy despite facing challenging circumstances. Their efforts serve as a reminder of the vital role that these communities play in shaping the democratic landscape of India.