Polling peaceful in Muzaffarnagar, riot victims cast vote

MUZZAFARNAGAR: Hundreds of riots victims were among those who cast their votes Thursday amid tight security in Muzaffarnagar Lok Sabha constituency where 50 per cent polling was recorded till 2 PM with no untoward incident.

More than 250 people, who were displaced in last year's deadly communal riots in the district, exercised their franchise at Khampur village where they are now living in a newly constructed housing colony.

They were displaced from Lisad, Kutba Kutbi, Rathora and Phugana villages following the riots in September last year that left over 60 dead.

Four gangrape victims also cast their votes and were given full police protection, District Magistrate Koshal Raj Sharma told PTI.

He said polling was peaceful with about 50 per cent vote turnout till 2 PM.

He said that riot victims have voted in villages of Kutba, Phugana and Jollaloee and other places and were provided complete protection.

"No untoward incident has been reported in the district," the DM said.

Polling is being held in 10 Lok Sabha constituencies spread over 11 districts of Western Uttar Pradesh, including riot-hit Muzaffarnagar district, which had seen a high voltage campaign.