Pulwama: Despite sub-zero temperatures Saturday morning, polling began as per schedule in the south Kashmir districts of Pulwama and Shopian, where voters will elect six representatives for the 87-member Jammu and Kashmir assembly in the fifth phase of elections in the state.

Polling began in the six constituencies of Tral, Pampore, Pulwama, Rajpora, Shopian and Wachi at 8 a.m.

In Rajpora and Wachi constituencies, dozens of voters came out despite the morning winter chill to exercise their franchise. Reports of voters lining up outside polling stations also came in from Pampore.

Few voters ventured out of their homes in Tral and Shopian constituencies. Voting began on a low key note in Pulwama town as well but poll officials said it was likely to pick up as the day warms up.

However, in Malangpora village of Pulwama constituency, many voters had lined up at the polling stations. More than two dozen men and women had lined up to cast their votes in Kakapora and Pinglina villages of the same constituency.

“Over 120 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) are assisting the local police in Pulwama and Shopian districts to ensure that nobody interferes in the pollign process," a police officer told IANS.

A joint co-ordination committee of separatists groups has called for an anti-poll march to the Pulwama and Shopian district headquarters.

 

Source : ians