KASHMIR VOTES

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be addressing two election rallies in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar on and Anantnag on December 6.

Meanwhile, despite the boycott call, a record 33 per cent polling was recorded till noon in the first phase of the elections in Jammu and Kashmir under which votes were cast in 15 Assembly seats.This included the six seats of the Chenab Valley, being targeted by all the political parties in the fray.

According to official figures, the Doda Assembly segment has recorded the highest turnout of 41 per cent, followed by Inderwal with 39.67 per cent, Kangan with 39.50 per cent, Sonawari with 38.99 per cent.

Similarly, Bandipora Assembly segment recorded 32.72 per cent polling, 36.89 per cent in Banihal, 36.20 per cent in Ramban, 37.20 per cent in Bhaderwah, 31.17 per cent in Ganderbal, 37.54 per cent in Gurez, 36.57 pc in Kishtwar.

With temperatures below freezing point, Ladakh recorded slow polling in the morning hours. However the Kargil Assembly segment recorded 24 per cent polling, followed by Leh with 10.47 per cent, Nobra with 27.52 per cent and Zanskar with 22.80 per cent polling.

While nearly 33 per cent of the 10.52 lakh electorate exercised their franchise till 12 PM, long queues could be seen at many polling stations as voters waited for their turn.

The situation across the state has been by and large peaceful so far, barring a couple of stray incidents of violence in the Ganderbal and Bandipora districts.

Suspected militants hurled grenades at two polling stations in Nowpora area of Bandipora and Naidkhai area of Sonawari but there was no damage done in the explosions.

The polling went on peacefully even after the explosions as the grenades landed some distance away from the booths.

In Barsoo area of Ganderbal, PDP supporters clashed with National Conference supporters, resulting in minor injuries to one person.