News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp
Rediff.com  » News » 57 per cent polling in J&K fifth phase

57 per cent polling in J&K fifth phase

By Mukhtar Ahmad In Srinagar
Last updated on: December 13, 2008 20:25 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

The fifth phase of polling in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday was marked by moderate polling in the Valley and heavy in the Jammu region.

Talking to media persons later in the evening, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Masud Samoon said the six south Kashmir constituencies in the two districts of Pulwama and Shopian recorded 47 per cent poll average.

He said five constituencies in the Kathua district of Jammu region recorded an average of 61 per cent polling.

"The overall percentage for the state in the fifth phase is 57 per cent," Samoon said.

Saturday' polling was marred by incidents of violence and protests in parts of Pulwama district where one youth was killed in the police firing while two others were critically wounded.

The injured are undergoing treatment in the Srinagar's SMHS hospital in Srinagar.

A senior police officer said 10 policemen were amongĀ 15 injured in Saturday's clashes at Koil and other villages during protests.

The polling, which started on a low key, picked up during the day with many polling stations witnessing brisk polling while others saw low to moderate voter turnout.

The authorities had imposed curfew-like restrictions in summer capital Srinagar and other towns to prevent separatist protests and marches to the areas of polling. No movement was allowed in the capital city, where Central Reserve Police Force and police had erected barricades to stop the movement of people and vehicular traffic.

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Mukhtar Ahmad In Srinagar