Monday, November 17, 2008

39% turnout in first phase of J-K polls

SRINAGAR: Ignoring separatists' boycott call and braving sub-zero temperature in many areas, nearly 39 per cent of over six lakh voters today exercised their franchise in the first phase of Assembly elections in ten constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir

"An estimated 38.62 per cent voters cast their ballots in the 10 constituencies spread over four districts of Poonch, Bandipora, Leh and Kargil by 2 pm," officials monitoring the polling said.

Mendhar, Poonch and Surankote constituencies in the border district of Poonch registered the highest turnout of 60 per cent, 52 per cent and 40 per cent respectively.

The turnout in two constituencies of Kargil district — Kargil and Zanskar — recorded 35 per cent polling each while in Nobra and Leh segments in Leh district registered 36.21 and 32.6 per cent voting, respectively.

The polling in Bandipora, Sonawari and Gurez constituencies in the Valley which has been hit by a cold wave after heavy snowfall started on a dull note but picked up as the day advanced.

The three constituencies recorded 25 per cent, 28 per cent and 43 per cent polling respectively. The voters ignored the separatists call for boycott and as the day advanced, came out in large numbers to line up at polling booths.

The voters in Zanskar and Kargil segments which recorded low temperature of minus 11 and minus four degrees Celsius, respectively, recorded 35 per cent voting till 2 pm.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/

No comments: