The office of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (M), Jammu and Kashmir, refuted a media report saying that a large number of Kashmiri migrants had participated in the voting process in the first phase of the Assembly elections.
Referring to the report claiming that Kashmiri migrant voters faced problems during the voting process for the 1st phase of J&K Assembly Elections-2024 in special polling stations including Purkhu and Rup Nagar, the government handout said that 'these claims are false, unverified, vague and lack specificity. .'
Contrary to reports, a large number of Kashmiri migrants took part in the voting process without any reported problems. Helpdesks with laptops have been set up at all special polling stations especially to facilitate Kashmiri migrant voters. Free transport facility is provided to all places for Kashmiri migrant voters from the designated places of travel. The Chief Returning Officer's visit to the polling station was routine, and not in response to any complaint, as the report falsely implied. Also, no official version was received from the reporter regarding the alleged complaint.
No official complaints were received from any migrant voters, and all polling stations are well prepared with necessary facilities to ensure a smooth and transparent voting experience. Further, the entire selection process is monitored by Senior Officers, General Observers, Zonal Officers/Camp Commandants, Sectoral/Zonal Magistrates, Micro Observers at every level to ensure transparency and efficiency. No complaint has been received from any quarter.
The administration is committed to providing a seamless voting process for all Kashmiri migrant voters and has always taken swift action to address any concerns during elections. The vague and unsubstantiated nature of these claims only serves to mislead the public and we strongly condemn such inaccurate and unsubstantiated reports.