Srinagar: Terror group attacks, threats, in the valley are scarring off contestants from appearing in the first phase of a contest scheduled for October 8 this month and will continue until October 16.
According to sources, 46% of majority candidates belonging to BJP have already won uncontested.
The nominations for all four phases will end by Monday. Elections in the valley will be held in 232 wards. The Municipal polls were held 13 years ago while the panchayat polls were held in 2011.
Though major regional parties, NC and PDP have boycotted the polls, Congress and BJP have already fielded their candidates except in those wards where terror threats have risen or are severe.
The panchayat elections in the state are scheduled to start from November 17 to December 1.
According to Police, additional 400 armed forces will be sent for Poll duties to provide security to candidates.
“There is threat to at least 30 candidates,” said a police officer.
Meanwhile, the separatists have protested against the scheduled municipal polls in Kashmir. They also asked the people not to take part in the polls.
Terror threats in the region are severe in South Kashmir with no candidate filing nomination papers for the Municipal committee.
While BJP candidates are reported to have won Devsar and Qazigund municipal committees in south Kashmir uncontested along with Qazigund municipal body in Kulgam district.
Sources reported Terrorists in Kashmir have threatened to target anyone who participates in any elections.