Srinagar: Just like the first phase, voters on December 2 came out in large numbers ignoring the boycott call given by separatist leaders and cold weather conditions to exercise their franchise in 18 constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir. Several seats recorded a remarkable voter turnout, continuing the positive trend set by the first phase which recorded over 70 per cent voting.
Amid unprecedented security arrangements provided by the state police and paramilitary forces in the hinterland and Army in the forests and hills, voting was by and large peaceful with around 71 per cent of the eligible electorate coming out to press the EVM buttons in 18 Assembly constituencies, spread over five districts after a dull start due to morning chill.
Even though the voter turnout in Kulgam district and Kupwara district can be considered as high if compared to the percentage of polling recorded in other states in recent elections, the former has actually witnessed a decline of over 4 per cent while voting in the latter dipped by over 1 per cent as compared to 2008 Assembly elections. In 2008 elections, Kulgam witnessed a voter turnout of 64.70 per cent while 69.32 per cent electorate exercised their franchise to vote in Kupwara. In Kashmir valley, Kupwara tops the voter turnout as 68 per cent people exercised their democratic right in five Assembly seats followed by Kulgam with 60 per cent.
The highest votes were polled in Reasi district with 80 per cent, followed by Udhampur with 76 per cent and Poonch district with 70 per cent in Jammu region.
Meanwhile, 40 families of Kunan and Poshpora in north Kashmir district of Kupwara boycotted the elections and protested outside their polling station. The protesters demanded justice for what they allege is one of the worst cases of human rights abuse and mass gangrape of over 40 women in these two villages by the Army in February 1991.
Minor incidents of stone pelting were reported in Khudwani, Redwani and Rampur areas in Home-Shalibugh constituency in Kulgam district.
Addressing a press conference, Chief Electoral Officer Umang Narula said around 71 per cent electorate cast their vote in Tuesday's polling for the second phase of Assembly elections across 18 constituencies spread in five districts of the state.
Handwara, which is a militant prone area, recorded a voter turnout of 71 per cent, against 75.55 recorded in 2008. Even though there are 12 candidates in the fray, there is a triangular contest on cards in this constituency between National Conference's (NC's) Chowdry Mohamad Ramzan - who is seeking re-election from the constituency, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Sofi Ghulam Mohdi-Ud-Din and separatist turned politician Sajjad Gani Lone.
Kupwara, where three militants were killed after Army foiled an infiltration bid, recorded a voter turnout of 62 per cent, against 69.32 per cent recorded in 2008. The main contest in Kupwara is between NC candidate, who is seeking re-election for the fourth time from the constituency and PDP's Mir Mohammad Fayaz.
Karnah recorded 75 per cent voter turnout, against 79.19 per cent in the last Assembly elections, while 55 per cent voters came out to press EVM button in Lolab, against 68.12 per cent in 2008.
Langat witnessed an increase in the voter turnout, against 61.33 per cent polling in 2008, 71 per cent came out to exercise their franchise.
Kulgam recorded a voter turnout of 55.44 per cent, against 61.66 per cent in 2008. Even though there are eight candidates in the fray, the main contest is between CPI (M) state general secretary Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, who is seeking re-election for the fourth time and PDP candidate Nazir Ahmad Laway.
He said Home Shalibugh witnessed a voter turnout of 36.50 per cent, against 54.36 per cent in 2008 while Devsar recorded 60.03 per cent. The voting percentage in Devsar was 68.68 per cent in 2008. There was an increase in the voter turnout in Noorabad, against 74.11 per cent polling in 2008, 77.60 per cent people came out to vote.
The prestigious Udhampur constituency recorded a voter turnout of 79.74 per cent, against 68.05 per cent in 2008. Ten candidates are in the fray for this constituency, which will witness multi-corner contest. BJP has been hit by rebellion in the constituency, where its former leader Pawan Gupta has decided to contest as an independent candidate after he was denied ticket. Gupta will be contesting against two times NPP MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia and BJP nominee Pawan Khajuria.
He said Chenani witnessed a voter turnout of 75.48 per cent while 75.19 per cent polling was recorded in Ram Nagar in Udhampur district.
Meanwhile, 80 per cent voters exercised their franchise in Reasi constituency, against 73.55 per cent in the last Assembly elections. As many as 14 candidates are in the fray for Resi Assembly constituency, where BJP has dropped its sitting Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Baldev Raj Sharma and fielded Ajay Nanda. Sharma, who is fighting the elections as an Independent candidate is likely to cut BJP vote bank in the constituency.
Gulab Garh saw 80.73 per cent polling while Gool Arnas witnessed 80.28 per cent voter turnout in Reasi district.
He said Surankote witnessed 65 per cent polling, Mendher 72 per cent and Poonch Haveli 73.39 per cent in Poonch district.
The Chief Electoral Officer said the constituencies that went to polls today were spread over five districts for which as many as 2186 polling stations were set up, which included 143 critical ones.
Web casting was done in 178 Polling Stations and 296 digital and 216 video cameras were deployed, he added.
Narula said that 199 micro observers and 10296 poll personnel were deployed during today's polling. The CEO said 175 candidates were in the fray for these 18 constituencies which comprised 1542737 numbers of electors including 818025 male, 724703 female and 09 third gender voters.
(Abid Soffi is the Managing Editor 'Kashmir Pioneer'. He lives in Srinagar.)
Comments
0 comment