Srinagar, September 25 (KNS): Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Wednesday expressed immense satisfaction with the voter turnout in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, calling it a historic moment for the J&K.

Addressing the press at Delhi, Kumar said that the enthusiasm with which voters were participating across the valley and Jammu marks a strong statement of support for democracy.

“We are very happy that voting is taking place across the entire valley and Jammu with extreme fervor and enthusiasm,” Kumar said. The sight of long lines of voters in different parts of the region, including Srinagar, is a powerful visual of democratic participation.

Kumar said that the significance of the turnout in areas where calls for boycott had previously been common. "Even in areas where there used to be calls for disruption, there are people around in long queues since morning," he said.

He described how voters, standing peacefully in queues under the trees of Chenar and in high mountain regions, are making a strong statement in favor of democracy.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel“People are giving a standing ovation to democracy by standing so peacefully in the queues, waiting for their turn,” Kumar added.

The CEC praised the peaceful conduct of the elections, saying that the voters’ participation is a testament to the resilience and strength of democratic values in Jammu and Kashmir. "This is what is happening today — a peaceful, enthusiastic exercise of voting in a place once marked by challenges," he said.

Speaking on the symbolic importance of this election, Kumar said that it represented a significant shift in political landscape of J&K. “This is history in the making,” he said, referring to the unexpectedly high turnout and the peaceful nature of the election process.

This participation is a powerful message of peace and democratic renewal in Jammu and Kashmir, he added.(KNS)