Jammu and Kashmir elections: Pink polling stations launched to boost women's turnout

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], October 1 : In the third and final phase of the Assembly election, as Jammu and Kashmir's 40 constituencies prepare to go to the polls today on Tuesday, election officers in the region have introduced pink polling stations specifically designed to attract women voters.
These pink polling stations are managed entirely by female officers.
"In Udhampur district, there are four assembly constituencies, each hosting one pink polling station operated by women," Deputy Commissioner Udhampur and District Election Officer Saloni Rai told ANI.

"The initiative serves two purposes: firstly, to promote women's empowerment, and secondly, to encourage more women to vote," she added.
In anticipation of the election, the Central Armed Police Forces (CRPF) and Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed throughout Udhampur district.
Udhampur SSP Amod Ashok Nagpure stated that measures have been implemented district-wide to ensure a peaceful and smooth election.
"With polling scheduled for October 1 in Udhampur, the polling parties were dispatched today. The Udhampur police are dedicated to ensuring a tranquil and orderly election process. Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and CAPF personnel are stationed throughout the district, which comprises 654 polling booths. Special night QRTs and night domination measures are also in place to maintain security throughout the night," SSP Nagpure explained.
He also highlighted that special security measures have been implemented in Basantgarh, Latti, and Dudu, critical areas within the Udhampur district.
"Basantgarh, Latti, and Dudu are key focus points for us, and we have deployed additional security personnel in these areas. I urge all voters to participate in the election process," SSP Nagpure added.
The intensive campaign for the third and final phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening. The forthcoming voting will determine representatives for 40 constituencies, with 24 in the Jammu division and the remainder in Kashmir.
This election is notable as the first in a decade and the first since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The three-phase election involves a multi-party contest for the 90 seats across the former state.
The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders.
The final phase of polling is set for October 1, with the vote count scheduled for October 8.
According to the Election Commission of India, the first and second phases of polling recorded voter turnouts of 61% and 57.31%, respectively, in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.