NEWSLINKS US EDITION NEWS DEAR REDIFF THE STATES ARCHIVES
Defying militants' threats and ignoring the boycott call given by the All-Parties Hurriyat Conference, nearly 13 per cent of the 1.7 million voters exercised their franchise in 23 constituencies over five border districts.
"There have been minor incidents here and there, but the reports of conduct of polls so far are satisfactory," Chief Electoral Officer Pramod Jain said.
Voting for the 87-member assembly is taking place in four phases with thousands of security forces fanned across the state to ensure peaceful and free and fair polls.
In Poonch and Rajouri districts polling was marginally higher at about 20 per cent.
Nowshera in Rajouri registered a 33 per cent turnout, according to official information.
In Poonch Haveli constituency, the turnout was about 28 per cent followed by 26 per cent in Surankote.
In Baramulla, there was a sharp contrast between the rural and urban population, with villagers turning up in large numbers to vote and people in towns staying indoors. Gurez constituency recorded the highest turnout of 25 per cent.
Though polling started on a dull note in the villages of Uri, Rafiabad, Sopore, Sangrama and Pattan, it picked up by midday, whereas, the three major towns of Baramulla, Sopore and Sangrama wore a deserted look.
Several residents of Baramulla town admitted that it was the fear of gun-wielding militants that forced them to boycott the polls.
The villagers, who could be seen in long queues outside the polling stations, were too excited about participating in the democratic exercise.
"Though no one has done anything for us, but I still want to vote as I want peace in the valley," Abdullah Sheikh of a village in Pattan said.
Jammu and Kashmir Elections 2002: The complete coverage
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