National Conference and Opposition Peoples Democratic Party supporters clash at Election Commision office in Kashmir

Clashes broke out between supporters of ruling National Conference and Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday during filing of nominations by their candidates at Kulgam district election office in south Kashmir, police said.

An altercation broke out between supporters of two candidates, who had come to file their nomination papers before the election authorities in Kulgam district town, the police said. They said police personnel deployed on security duty stepped in and used batons to chase away the rival supporters.

While police said three cops were hurt during the brief clashes, eyewitnesses claimed that at least a dozen activists of the two parties suffered minor injuries during the incident. Kulgam is going to polls in the second phase of elections on December 2. Tomorrow is the last date for filing of nominations for the second phase of polls.

Six candidates, including sitting MLA and CPI(M) state Secretary M Y Tarigami, have so far filed their nomination papers from the constituency. Tarigamdi is seeking re-election from the seat for the fourth time.