Voting starts for opening phase in Poonch, J

Poonch, J&K, Nov 17 (UNI) Voting for the opening phase of Assembly elections today began peacefully in all the three constituencies of this bordering district in Jammu division.

All the 353 polling stations established in the district were put under multi-layered security cover to ensure incident-free election.

At least 120 polling stations were tagged as hyper-sensitive while 105 as sensitive in the district.

First vote in Surankote, Mendhar and Poonch-Haveli Assembly constituencies of Poonch district was polled at 0800 hrs, official sources said, asserting that several polling stations witnessed voters already waiting in queues before the start.

A total of 2,61,296 voters, including 1,27,568 females, in three constituencies would decide on their representatives to the Legislative Assembly from Poonch district on the Line of Control (LoC).

Eleven candidates are in fray in Surankote Assembly constituency, which has 85,129 registered electors, including 41,539 female voters.

The total 110 polling stations were set up in Surankote, which used to be a hot bed of militancy.

In Mendhar, 108 polling stations were established for 78,846 voters, including 38,839 females, who would decide the fate of twelve candidates in the fray.

A total of 97,321 voters, including 47,190 female, will poll for 13 candidates in the fray for Poonch-Haveli seat. The number of polling stations are 135.

At least 58 companies of para military forces were deployed in Poonch district for smooth conduct of voting.

Polling also started simultaneously for Gurez, Bandipora and Sonawari Assembly segments in Kashmir region and Nobra, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar in Ladakh area.

Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held in seven phases, the last on December 24.

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