Tue Sep 17 06:48:43 UTC 2024: ## J&K Assembly Polls Begin Amidst Tight Security, Political Tensions Rise

**Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir:** The first phase of the Jammu & Kashmir assembly elections commenced today, with voting taking place in 24 constituencies. Security has been heightened in Srinagar ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s election rally scheduled for later today.

The elections are being seen as a clash between the Gandhi-Abdullah families and the BJP, with BJP National President Amit Shah stating this explicitly. Meanwhile, the BJP has accused the Abdullahs of promoting a “Jihadi agenda”, a claim that has been met with denials from the National Conference.

The Congress has appointed Charanjit Channi and Mukesh Agnihotri as observers for the polls in Jammu & Kashmir. The Centre has extended LTC facility for government employees to visit J&K and the Northeast for another two years. Prime Minister Modi released the first installment of Rs 2,044 crore to 5.11 lakh beneficiaries of the PMAY-G scheme.

The political landscape of J&K continues to be dominated by tensions and allegations, with concerns about the multiparty democratic system being undermined.

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* **India-China Talks Progress:** India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar stated that some progress has been made in talks with China regarding the Eastern Ladakh border row.
* **Successful Missile Test:** India successfully flight-tested a surface-to-air missile.
* **PM Meets Paralympic Medallists:** Prime Minister Modi met with Paralympic medallists to congratulate them on their achievements.

The elections in J&K are being closely watched across the country, with the outcome having significant implications for the future of the region.

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