First phase polling kicks off in Jammu Kashmir

Srinagar, Nov 17: Polling for the first phase in 10 assembly constitutencies of Jammu Kashmir began on Monday, Nov 17. The polling which started at 8 am (IST) will be held in 10 constitutencies spread over four districts. More than six lakh voters are expected to caste vote. The fate of 102 contestants would be decided by the voters on Monday, Nov 17.

High security arrangements have been made in Bandipura and Sonawari constitutencies of Kashmir Valley in view of possible terrorist attempt to disrupt the poll and also to prevent the separatists' anti-election march. Some of the polling booths in Bandipora, Poonch, Leh and Kargil districts are termed as 'hyper-sensitive', while others are placed under 'sensitive' category.

A long march to Bandipura was called by the All Parties Hurriyat Conference. On Saturday, Nov 15 top Hurriyat leaders were put under house arrest and several Hurriyat supporters were detained.

The first phase of polling will perhaps be an indicator of how people respond to the general elections after the Amarnath land row.

The remaining six phases of election will be held on Nov 23, 30 and Dec 7, 13, 17 and 24.

OneIndia News