Srinagar, 25 Nov 2014 : Nearly a third of the electorate cast their franchise till noon in the first phase of Jammu and Kashmir elections to the state assembly Tuesday.
Polling is on for 15 assembly constituencies in the first phase.
Enthusiastic voters lined up outside polling stations in the state. The highest voter turnout of 41.90 percent was recorded at Doda, while the lowest – 10.47 percent – was witnessed at Leh.
Constituencies such as Gurez, Sonawari, Kangan, Kishtwar, Inderwal, Ramban and Bhaderwah had a voter turnout of about 35 percent.
Voting was slow in the initial hours due to intense morning cold and freezing temperatures. However, the voting picked up as the day progressed, giving way to a weak winter sun.
Polling started peacefully at all the 1,787 polling stations spread over seven districts, an official said.
Over a million voters will decide the political fate of 123 candidates in the fray in the first phase.—IANS
J&K People’s huge turnout for votes proves believe and faith in Indian Democratic System. J&K People have seen many ups and downs and now fully supports and takes part in Indian Democratic process. Strong signal of shifting and setting of Priorities by youth. J&K Youth has full of VISIONS, they dream as INDIAN. J&K People “turn” over now Indian Govts. “turn” – Indian Govts. both center state should welcome and appreciate and govt. should start rebuilding/rehabilitation of J&K and bring the storms of so many good projects and plans that build J&K a strong and prosperious Indian state. Industrial Development, tourism devp. strong infrastructure Universities Colleges polytechnics and multi discipline Hospitals, Parks, Stadiums, all will make J&K People more attached and more believe and faith in Indian Democracy.
Very well said..
Very naive, and too early. If it were to happen, it would have been started long time ago. Independence, freedom, power to decide will be preferred, not the presence/interference/subjugation by the quarter of a million soldiers @ the border/LOC. Kashmiris take on what they want is more important than what both India and Pakistan wish for them. Readers may not believe it, but I am saying it from personal experience that Muslims of the Indian ancestry or Kashmiri origin don’t have any “special” bond for Pakistan(is), for the simple reason that Pakis have never treated them as their co-equal humans, and will never do. They will always have a chip on their shoulder. Why?