Srinagar: Amidst heightened security and stepped up militant violence, Jammu and
Kashmir went for the second phase of Assembly elections in three districts on
September 24 with Jammu recording brisk polling, while voting in the valley was
reported to be on a dull note.
The voting in 28 constituencies in the districts of Jammu, Srinagar and Budgam got
underway as security forces killed two militants holed up in a house in Gogjibagh
here after a night-long encounter to rescue two police officers trapped inside.
A total of 263 candidates, including National Conference President and Chief
Ministerial candidate Omar Abdullah, are in the fray. At least 14 women are among
them while Samata, Shiv Sena and Lok Janshakti are making their debut.
Unnerved by the people's response in the first phase of polling on September 16
which witnessed over 47 per cent turnout, Hurriyat Conference has given a call for a
strike on September 24 and Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen has asked people and
polling staff to stay away from elections.
After four hours of polling, the voter turnout was an average 20 per cent in 13
constituencies in Jammu city and neighbouring Assembly segments. Large queues of
voters were also seen outside polling booths in Jammu region where demands for
trifurcation is a key issue.
In Srinagar, voters appeared to be unenthusiastic and streets wore a deserted look
while in the neighbouring Budgam district long queues of voters guarded by heavily
armed security personnel were witnessed. Srinagar and Budgam account for 10 and five
constituencies respectively.
Voters were reported to be coming in trickle in Srinagar with sources attributing
the lower turnout to the escalated violence in the past two days in the valley.
Initial reports spoke of a higher turnout in rural areas compared to urban segments.
Over a dozen diplomats from countries like the US, Canada, the Netherlands, France
and the European Union were witnessing the democratic exercise.
PTI
