Author: Agencies
Publication: Expressindia.com
Date: November 17, 2008
URL: http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/Kashmiris-ignore-poll-boycott-call-55-pct-turnout/386739/
Braving freezing temperatures and ignoring
separatists' boycott call, Voters came out in large numbers in some towns
with an average 55 per cent turnout recorded in the first phase of the Assembly
elections in Jammu and Kashmir held amid unprecedented security.
The turnout was moderate to heavy and voting
passed off peacefully except for stray incidents of violence and protests
amid threats of militants disrupting the polls which was held in a curfew-like
situation in 10 constituencies spread over four districts of Bandipora, Poonch,
Leh and Kargil. Polling in the border state has been staggered over seven
phases lasting up to December 24.
Around 55 per cent polling was registered
in the 10 constituencies, Chief electoral officer B R Sharma told reporters
in Srinagar.
Sharma said Gurez constituency in the once
terrorist-infested Bandipora district recorded the highest voting-- 74 per
cent-- followed by Mendhar (65), Poonch (64), Surankote (58), Kargil (57),
Nobra (55), Leh (53), Zanskar (48) and Bandipora and Sonawari (42 each).
Srinagar, Bandipora and other towns were almost
totally locked down, as thousands of troops were out in force to prevent anti-election
rallies. An estimated six lakh voters were eligible to vote in the first phase.
At least seven persons including a woman were
injured as police fired a few teargas shells and used batons to disperse people
protesting against holding of assembly elections in Bandipora district, official
sources said.
The separatist co-ordination committee had
given a call for 'Jehan election waha challo' (march to where elections are).
But the march to Bandipora, 65 km north of Srinagar town, was foiled by security
forces.
