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Boycott hits 2nd phase of polling in Kashmir
KT NEWS SERVICE. Dated: 10/11/2018 3:03:01 PM
SRINAGAR, Oct 10: The election boycott call by separatists and non participation of two major mainstream political parties, National Conference and PDP did show more effect on the second phase of municipal polls in Kashmir.
The poll percentage dipped from 8.3 in first phase on Monday to three percent today.
Not a single vote was today cast in a number of polling stations in Srinagar. In rest of polling stations low poll percentage was recorded. "We waited for the day but not a single voter turned up," said Rafiq Ahmad, an official at a polling booth for Chattabal ward.
However, enthusiasm among voters was witnessed in Sumbal area of Bandipora, where queues could be seen at polling booths.
"Boycott of polls has served no purpose. By voting we directly become part of development process," said Gulzar Ahmad, a voter, at Sumbal while talking to reporters.
Very tight security arrangements were made in the poll bound areas and the situation remained peaceful amid a shutdown, called by separatists at these places.
The polling was today held in parts of Srinagar, Kupwara, Baramulla, Anantnag, Bandipora, Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Reasi, Udhampur and Kathua.
Among five districts of Kashmir, the highest voter turnout of 34.65 percent was recorded in Sumbal Bandipora where elections were held for 11 wards. An official said 2755 votes were polled in municipal committee Sumbal.
Polling was held in 20 wards of Srinagar for 2nd phase. In Solina ward 355 votes were polled, in Alochibagh 84, SD Colony 88, Ziyarat Batamaloo 62, Shaheed Gunj 123, Karan Nagar 71, Chattabal zero, Qamarwari 142, Bemina East 212, Bemina West 228, Nundresh Colony 68, Parimpora 116, Zainakoot 943, Lawaypora 1020, Mujgund 453, Tankipora eight, Syed Ali Akbar eight, Basant Bagh 54, Fathe Kadal 28 and in Munwarabad 106 votes were polled with a total percentage of 2.24. Out of total 186085 only 4169 votes were polled in 20 wards of Srinagar city.
In southern Kashmir, which has witnessed a spurt in militancy and street protests from past two years only 356 voters, male 179 and females 177 out of 31277 eligible voters, exercised their franchise, officials said adding that the poll percentage was 1.14 at the end of the election.