Image used for representation only

NEW DELHI: The process for the much-delayed civic polls in Jammu & Kashmir is likely to get under way after the new governor takes over, with sources indicating the state election commission may issue the first notification for urban body polls by as early as end-August.

As announced by outgoing J&K governor N N Vohra, urban body polls in the state will be held in September-October, followed by panchayat polls in November-December.

A top official of the central security establishment said the template likely to be followed is to conduct polling first in Jammu region as well as some of the border districts of Kashmir region such as Budgam and Kupwara, with polling in the terrorist-infested districts of south Kashmir and parts of central Kashmir to be held in later phases. While urban local body polls in Jammu are not a concern, there are concerns over possible violence in Srinagar.

“While the situation in Srinagar appears normal on the surface with schools and colleges now open, there is no let-up in militant activity and recruitment by terrorist groups. The public sentiment is still adverse and given that there will be additional deployment of forces in the run-up to polling, there is risk of conflict with the locals that may trigger violence. This may disrupt polls and result in poor turnout,” said an officer.

The real challenge lies in ensuring peaceful campaigning and safety of candidates in Pulwama and Shopian where terrorists are most active. “The effort will be to conduct panchayat polls here in late November or December, as terrorist activity usually ebbs with the onset of winter,” said an intelligence official.

“If we can ensure a decent turnout, it will have a positive effect on electoral participation in Lok Sabha polls. On the flip side, if there are attacks, we may see a repeat of the 2017 Srinagar byelection which witnessed 7% polling,” said an officer.

