The Hindu : Front Page : 55 p.c. turnout in J&K polls

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Tuesday, Nov 18, 2008
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55 p.c. turnout in J&K polls

Shujaat Bukhari

Polling takes place amid tight security, chilly weather, and a boycott call

— Photo: PTI/S. Irfan

BRAVING ODDS: Voters throng a polling booth despite threats from militants and the harsh weather at Gurez in Bandipore district of J&K on Monday.

BANDIPORE/SONAWARI: Ten constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir that went to the polls in the first phase on Monday recorded a 55 per cent voter turnout, higher in many areas than in the 2002 Assembly elections.

Contrary to expectations of a complete boycott, three constituencies in the Bandipore district of north Kashmir witnessed moderate to brisk polling.

There were no complaints of coercion either, though there were some incidents of violence.

Polling took place amid stringent security measures, chilly weather, a complete strike and the boycott call given by the Coordination Committee spearheading an anti-election campaign.

“By and large polling was peaceful, though there were some minor incidents which are part of the democratic exercise,” Chief Electoral Officer B.R. Sharma told a news conference.

He said the voter turnout in all the constituencies was good with Gurez topping the list at 74 per cent. Bandipore recorded 42 per cent, Sonawari 42, Mendhar 65, Surankot 58, Poonch 64, Nobra 51, Leh 53, Zanskar 48 and Kargil 57 per cent. “All the complaints by political parties were looked into and action was taken,” he said.

People arrived in small numbers at polling stations in Bandipore, Sumbal and Gurez from early morning braving the cold weather.

Polling picked up later, though pro-freedom demonstrations marred the turnout in Bandipore town.

A human rights activist was among those injured in Bandipore when police used force to quell protesters.

He was later arrested along with five youths. Eight persons were injured when supporters of the National Conference and an independent clashed at Sumbal in Sonawari.

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