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Srinagar gives face saver to seperatists

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Summer capital city of Srinagar on Sunday gave some sort of a face saver to the separatists as only 28 percent people voted in the eight assembly constituencies in the fourth phase of polls on Sunday.

The overall percentage in the 18 constituencies spread over four districts of Jammu and Kashmir stood at 49 per cent which is a marginal four per cent increase to Lok Sabha polls.

How was the turnout in Srinagar compared to last elections?
Sunday's turnout is an improvement over 2008 elections when only 21 per cent people voted in the eight constituencies of Srinagar. This time however the turnout recorded seven per cent increase as 28 per cent people exercised their franchise.

"The lowest turnout of 21.01 percent was recorded in Habba Kadal assembly constituency of Srinagar district," said Umang Narula, Chief electoral officer Jammu and Kashmir.

Why Srinagar recorded a low turnout compared to countryside?
Srinagar is considered a separatists stronghold, which was at the heart of 2010 summer agitation in which a 120 people mostly youth were killed. Traditionally the city heeds to the boycott call of the separatists. This time round the floods also dislodged lot of potential voters and election was not their priority.

How was the turnout in three other districts?
Ignoring boycott calls of separatists, the people in south Kashmir came in large numbers to vote in the fourth phase. Anantnag district of south Kashmir recorded 61 per cent polling, Shopian district recorded, 50 percent polling. Eighty one per cent people exercised their franchise in the Samba district of Jammu division. "Vijaypur constituency of Samba district recorded the highest 81.31 percent turnout," said Narulla.

How was the overall mood of the voters?
In several polling booths youngsters, boys and girls, were eagerly waiting for their turn to get their fingers marked with indelible ink. Like in Khanyar constituency, where two sisters both first timers, had come along with their mother and older brother to cast their ballot.

Similar scenes where witnessed at polling booth inside Hindu High School where several first timers had queued up before the pooling booths for the first time.

"Elaborate arrangements were made to facilitate voters to exercise their right to franchise in a free and fair atmosphere. The polling percentage may increase after consolidation of figures", said Narulla.

How the political parties react to the turnout?
Complimenting people for their participation in the four phases of elections held so far, main opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) said the trust and confidence shown by electorate on his party was the guiding force to transform Jammu and Kashmir as an island of peace and prosperity.

PDP patron Mufti Mohommad Sayeed congratulated centre, Election Commission, state administration and all the agencies who were involved in the poll process for successful and smooth conduct of four phases of elections.

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