Inclement weather and secessionist calls notwithstanding, voters in Jammu and Kashmir came out in large numbers to exercise favour for peace and solidarity. According to mdia reports nearly 64 per cent polling was recorded, in the first phase of the seven phase Assembly elections in the state.
Repeated secessionist threats resulted in Curfew like deployment in the 10 constituencies spread over four districts of Bandipora, Poonch, Leh and Kargil.
The voting was peaceful except for stray incidents of violence and protests.
Polling in the border state has been staggered over seven phases lasting up to December 24.
According to an official spokesperson, 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase.
He added that highest polling was recorded in the Gurez constituency in the once of Bandipora district-- 74 per cent-- followed by Mendhar and Poonch (73), Surankote (68), Nobra (66) Leh, Kargil and Zanskar (all 60), Bandipora(57) and Sonawari (46).
Earlier in the day, Chief Electoral Officer B R Sharma told reporters in Srinagar that around 55 per cent polling was registered in the 10 constituencies but the figure was tentative and was revised after the final data came in.
A total shutdown in Srinagar, Bandipora and other towns marked the occasion, as an unprecedented security cover descended on the Kashmir Valley to prevent anti-election rallies.
At least seven people including a woman were injured when security personnel fired teargas shells and used mild force to disperse crowds protesting against the elections in Bandipora district.
The secessionists had called for 'Jehan election waha challo' (march to where elections are). But the march to Bandipora, 65 km north of the summer capital Srinagar, was foiled by security forces.
Jammu and Kashmir went to polls on Monday in the first phase of the seven-phase assembly elections in the state.
Expressing optimism over the high voter turnout, National Conference president Omar Abdullah said it was a positive indication for a better future and a stable state, he was on the campaign trail in the Jammu region.
Abdullah termed the turnout an “eye opener” and added, that the unprecedented participation in the polls “proves the people of the state want the Kashmir issue be resolved. They want to assert their right, elect their representatives who can address their day to day grievances.”
Five Arrested for Conduct Violation
Five government employees on election duty were arrested from the Mendhar assembly constituency for violating the model electoral code of conduct.
The election staff, including the presiding officer of a polling station, were arrested after they stayed overnight at the residence of a candidate contesting the assembly polls.
The officials were posted at the Gursai polling station under Mendhar constituency and stayed at the house of Rafiq Hussain Khan, a People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate fro the area.
The act violates section 141 of the code of conduct applicable to officials on election duty.
Militants Kill Soldier, Two Missing
Meanwhile, suspected militants killed a soldier and two other Army personnel are reported missing after in the Poonch district, officials said.
The Army is in the midst of a five-day-old operation to nab a group of militants reported to be holed up in Beri forests in Mendhar area, some 250 km from Jammu.
A soldier of the Assam Rifles was killed and two other troopers went missing in action on Monday, Army sources said.
Security forces have launched a search operation to seize the militants, officials said.
Unsubstantiated media reports appearing over the internet say four militants were gunned down by security forces in an exchange of fire in the Lachipora area, near the Line of Control, some 40 km from Baramulla in north Kashmir.
Repeated secessionist threats resulted in Curfew like deployment in the 10 constituencies spread over four districts of Bandipora, Poonch, Leh and Kargil.
The voting was peaceful except for stray incidents of violence and protests.
Polling in the border state has been staggered over seven phases lasting up to December 24.
According to an official spokesperson, 64 per cent voter turnout was recorded in the first phase.
He added that highest polling was recorded in the Gurez constituency in the once of Bandipora district-- 74 per cent-- followed by Mendhar and Poonch (73), Surankote (68), Nobra (66) Leh, Kargil and Zanskar (all 60), Bandipora(57) and Sonawari (46).
Earlier in the day, Chief Electoral Officer B R Sharma told reporters in Srinagar that around 55 per cent polling was registered in the 10 constituencies but the figure was tentative and was revised after the final data came in.
A total shutdown in Srinagar, Bandipora and other towns marked the occasion, as an unprecedented security cover descended on the Kashmir Valley to prevent anti-election rallies.
At least seven people including a woman were injured when security personnel fired teargas shells and used mild force to disperse crowds protesting against the elections in Bandipora district.
The secessionists had called for 'Jehan election waha challo' (march to where elections are). But the march to Bandipora, 65 km north of the summer capital Srinagar, was foiled by security forces.
Jammu and Kashmir went to polls on Monday in the first phase of the seven-phase assembly elections in the state.
Expressing optimism over the high voter turnout, National Conference president Omar Abdullah said it was a positive indication for a better future and a stable state, he was on the campaign trail in the Jammu region.
Abdullah termed the turnout an “eye opener” and added, that the unprecedented participation in the polls “proves the people of the state want the Kashmir issue be resolved. They want to assert their right, elect their representatives who can address their day to day grievances.”
Five Arrested for Conduct Violation
Five government employees on election duty were arrested from the Mendhar assembly constituency for violating the model electoral code of conduct.
The election staff, including the presiding officer of a polling station, were arrested after they stayed overnight at the residence of a candidate contesting the assembly polls.
The officials were posted at the Gursai polling station under Mendhar constituency and stayed at the house of Rafiq Hussain Khan, a People's Democratic Party (PDP) candidate fro the area.
The act violates section 141 of the code of conduct applicable to officials on election duty.
Militants Kill Soldier, Two Missing
Meanwhile, suspected militants killed a soldier and two other Army personnel are reported missing after in the Poonch district, officials said.
The Army is in the midst of a five-day-old operation to nab a group of militants reported to be holed up in Beri forests in Mendhar area, some 250 km from Jammu.
A soldier of the Assam Rifles was killed and two other troopers went missing in action on Monday, Army sources said.
Security forces have launched a search operation to seize the militants, officials said.
Unsubstantiated media reports appearing over the internet say four militants were gunned down by security forces in an exchange of fire in the Lachipora area, near the Line of Control, some 40 km from Baramulla in north Kashmir.
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