Jammu Kashmir witnesses Panchayat vote after 33 years!

Srinagar, Apr 13: On papers Jammu Kashmir witnessed the Panchayat election after a long gap of ten years but in reality the state held the election after 33 years. The Chief Minister of the state, Omar Abdullah believes that the valley indeed conducted the Panchayat poll after 33 years of waiting.

In his Twitter account, Omar Abdullah said, "In reality this is 1st Panchayat election after 33 years. 2000 was only on papers. More than 1/2 of seats remained empty."

The first phase of polling for the multi-phased Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat elections began on Wednesday, Apr 13 with queues seen outside several polling booths.

While all separatist leaders have maintained the discreet silence over these polls, hardline senior separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani has called for a boycott of the polls.

Citing the tense situation at the valley, police officials beefed up security all around the state, as sources on Apr 12 informed, "All necessary arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair 16-phase Panchayat elections, as the first phase begins with polling in eight blocks tomorrow."

OneIndia News