Jammu and Kashmir Polls: Ignoring boycott calls nearly 33% voting recorded till noon

Ignoring boycott call by separatist groups and braving cold weather, nearly 33% polling was recorded till noon, in most of the 15 constituencies going to polls in first of the five-phased polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to official figures, Doda Assembly segment has recorded the highest turnout of 41%, followed by Inderwal with 39.67%, Kangan with 39.50%, Sonawari with 38.99%. Similarly, Bandipora Assembly segment recorded 32.72% polling, 36.89% in Banihal, 36.20% in Ramban, 37.20% in Bhaderwah, 31.17% in Ganderbal, 37.54% in Gurez, 36.57 %in Kisthwar.

Ladakh region, where the minimum temperature is eight degrees below freezing point, recorded slow polling in the morning hours. Kargil Assembly segment recorded 24% polling, followed by Leh with 10.47%, Nobra with 27.52% and Zanskar with 22.80% polling. While nearly 33% of the 10.52 lakh electorate exercised their franchise till 12 PM, serpentine queues could be seen at many polling stations as voters waited for their turn. In the 2008 Assembly elections, an average of over 60% polling was witnessed.

The situation across the state has been by and large peaceful so far, barring couple of stray incidents of violence in Ganderbal and Bandipora districts. Suspected militants hurled grenades at two polling stations in Nowpora area of Bandipora and Naidkhai area of Sonawari but there was no damage done in the explosions. The polling went on peacefully even after the explosions as the grenades landed some distance away from the booths.
In Barsoo area of Ganderbal, PDP supporters clashed with National Conference supporters, resulting in minor injuries to one person.