SRINAGAR, Dec 14:
Democracy emerged winner as 49 per cent voters, defied the separatist poll boycott call to exercise their franchise in 18 assembly constituencies, spread over Srinagar, Anantnag and Shopian in Kashmir valley and Samba in Jammu region in the fourth phase of five phased elections in the State.
The first two phases registered more than 70 per cent while the third phase witnessed over 58 per cent polling in the State.
With today’s polling in 16 assembly segments, the election process in all the 46 constituencies in the Kashmir valley came to end while voting in 20 seats of Jammu region in the fifth and last phase will take place on December 20.
Barring some minor incidents of argument between supporters of different political parties, polling remained by and large peaceful as unprecedented security arrangements had been made for free, fair and peaceful voting in view of the boycott call given by the separatists and threat perception.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was among the first to cast his vote at a polling station set up in a missionary school at Sonawar, from where he is seeking mandate this time after shifting from Ganderbal seat. He is also contesting from Beerwa seat in Badgam district. (AGENCIES)
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