Jammu and Kashmir Polls: Nearly 33 per cent voting recorded till noon

SRINAGAR/JAMMU: Ignoring boycott call by separatist groups and braving cold weather, nearly 33 per cent polling was today recorded till noon, in most of the 15 constituencies going to polls in first of the five-phased polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to official figures, Doda Assembly segment has recorded the highest turnout of 41 per cent, followed by Inderwal with 39.67 per cent, Kangan with 39.50 per cent, Sonawari with 38.99 per cent.

Similarly, Bandipora Assembly segment recorded 32.72 per cent polling, 36.89 per cent in Banihal, 36.20 per cent in Ramban, 37.20 per cent in Bhaderwah, 31.17 per cent in Ganderbal, 37.54 per cent in Gurez, 36.57 pc in Kisthwar.

Ladakh region, where the minimum temperature is eight degrees below freezing point, recorded slow polling in the morning hours.

Kargil Assembly segment recorded 24 per cent polling, followed by Leh with 10.47 per cent, Nobra with 27.52 per cent and Zanskar with 22.80 per cent polling.

While nearly 33 per cent of the 10.52 lakh electorate exercised their franchise till 12 PM, serpentine queues could be seen at many polling stations as voters waited for their turn.

In the 2008 Assembly elections, an average of over 60 per cent polling was witnessed.

The situation across the state has been by and large peaceful so far, barring couple of stray incidents of violence in Ganderbal and Bandipora districts.

Suspected militants hurled grenades at two polling stations in Nowpora area of Bandipora and Naidkhai area of Sonawari but there was no damage done in the explosions.

The polling went on peacefully even after the explosions as the grenades landed some distance away from the booths.

In Barsoo area of Ganderbal, PDP supporters clashed with National Conference supporters, resulting in minor injuries to one person.