60 per cent voting in J

Srinagar, Apr 24 (UNI) An unprecedented 60 per cent voting was recorded in today's by-elections to four Assembly constituencies of Bhaderwah, Pattan, Rafiabad and Sangrama in Jammu and Kashmir despite poll boycott call by several separatist groups, including both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference.

The polling was marred by violence in only Pattan constituency of Baramulla district where at least 23 people were wounded in separate grenade and firing incidents.

However, the voting was by and large peaceful in the rest of three seats - Rafiabad and Sangrama in north Kashmir and Bhaderwah in Doda district of Jammu region.

Chief Electoral Officer B R Sharma, giving constituency-wise break-up of the polling, said a record 76 voter turnout was witnessed in Bhaderwah constituency, from where Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad is contesting, followed by 67 per cent in Rafiabad, 61 per cent in Pattan and 41 per cent in Sangrama.

Mr Sharma said the final voter turnout would go up by about 2-3 per cent as reports from various far-flung areas were still pouring in.

MORE UNI BAS-AG YA HT2010