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Authorities Claim 64% Voter Turn Out in Kashmir Elections

By Fayaz Wani

Srinagar, Nov 17: The authorities on Monday evening claimed that 64 per cent of people cast their votes during the first phase of elections in restive Kashmir.

The first phase of seven-phase elections was held amidst tight security arrangements in restive Kashmir on Monday. Of the 87 constituencies, 10 went to the polls on Monday and 102 candidates were in the contest.

Polling started at 0800 hours and concluded at 1700 hours. The moderate to brisk polling was reported across the 10 constituencies. There were some anti-India protests in some areas in North Kashmir, where the angry youth clashed with police and paramilitary personnel, who were deployed in thousands to ensure smooth conduct of the elections.

At some places, the people encircled the polling booth and raised pro-freedom and anti-India slogans. There were also clashes between the pro-Indian political workers at some places in Kashmir.

A spokesman claimed the following polling:

Gurez 74.10%,
Bandipora 57.08%,
Sonawari 46.05% (tentative),
Nobra 60.16% (tentative),
Leh 60.40%,
Kargil 60.02%,
Zanskar 60.19% (tentative),
Surankote 68.01%,
Mendhar 73.05%,
Poonch-Haveli 73.23%.

Fayaz Wani reports on life in Srinagar, Kashmir.