BHIMBER (Kashmir English): Violence erupted between political workers at Darbar Baba Shadi Shaheed polling station in LA-6 Bhimber during the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) general elections 2026, resulting in a fire destroying 232 ballot papers.
According to initial reports, an altercation between rival political workers escalated, during which miscreants set a fire inside the polling station.
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The blaze reportedly burned 236 votes (ballot papers) before it was brought under control.
Election officials and law enforcement personnel responded to the incident, while efforts were launched to secure the polling station and restore order.
Authorities have begun an investigation to determine the cause of the fire and identify those responsible. Officials have not yet announced whether the incident will affect polling results or whether re-polling will be required. Further details are expected as the investigation continues.
Polling in first phase
The polling under the first phase of the general election in the state began at 8 am under tight security in 13 constituencies of Mirpur Division.
At least 296 candidates, belonging to different political parties and independent, are in the fray.
The election commission said that 2,454 polling stations have been set up in Mirpur, including 597 in 4 constituencies of Mirpur, 1,107 in 6 constituencies of Kotli district and 608 in 3 constituencies of Bhimber.
A total of more than 1.4 million registered voters will exercise their right to vote in the first phase, including more than 400,000 voters in Mirpur district, about 350,000 in Bhimber district, and 647,378 voters in Kotli district.
Police, Rangers, and other law enforcement officials were deployed inside and outside the polling stations, while special security arrangements were made at polling stations declared sensitive and highly sensitive.
