Polling for Sixth phase begins in JK

Srinagar, Dec 17: On Wednesday, Dec 17 polling for 16 constituencies in the sixth round of the seven-phased Assembly elections in Jammu Kashmir began amid tight security and snowfall in upper reaches of the state. Official sources said that the voter turn-out was low on Wednesday, Dec 17 morning due to chilly conditions because of snowfall in Peer Panjal range and rains in plains. However, polling staff and security personnel took their positions at 1,268 polling booths by 7.30 am.

The fate of 271 candidates including two former Chief Ministers of Jammu Kashmir, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad will be decided by the voters. More than 20,000 additional security forces personnel and nearly 10,000 local policemen have been deployed at the polling booths for smooth conduct of polls as per the official sources.

Over 11.65 lakh voters are eligible to cast their vote at 1,268 polling stations in the 16 constituencies in Anantnag, Kulgam, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts. Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, who won from Pahalgam constituency in 2004 by-poll, is contesting from Anantnag this time. Although there are 23 candidates in fray, the PDP supremo is facing a stiff competition from his former lieutenant and National Conference state president Mehboob Beg.

Ghulam Nabi Azad contesting from Bhaderwah constituency is facing a triangular contest with National Conference's Mohammed Aslam Goni and Sheikh Mujeeb of PDP though there are 10 others in the fray.

OneIndia News (With inputs from Agencies)