Voters ignore boycott call, 62 % polling recorded in Kupwara

Kupwara, Nov 30 (UNI) Ignoring poll-boycott call by separatists, about 62 per cent of 3,41,946 voters excercised their franchise in the five assembly constituencies, spread over this border district, amid unprecedented security today.

Barring two attempts to disrupt the polling by demonstrators at Trehgam, the polling was by and large peaceful.

The highest 79 per cent polling was recorded in Karnah, bordering Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK), followed by Lolab 65 per cent Kupwara -- once a hub of militants 61 per cent, Handwara 60 per cent and Langate 54 per cent.

The polling in these constituencies began on a very dull note with some polling stations in the Kupwara constituency having to wait over 30 minutes to get the first voter.

However, voters, including women, could be seen marching towards polling stations in other constituencies, bordering (PoK).

At some polling booths set up in Keran and Karnah, voters were waiting outside the booths before the start of the polling at 0800 hrs.

The constituencies x x x picking up from opening Para of Dr 5 Election-Kashmir-Polling two Kupwara.

UNI BAS SB BD1910