SRINAGAR : Over 54 per cent voter turnout was recorded in 18 assembly constituencies, spread over five districts after a dull start due to morning chill in the second phase of five phased elections in Jammu and Kashmir. The polling was by and large peaceful, officials said adding that unprecedented security arrangements have been made for free, fair and peaceful polling in view of the separatist boycott call and threat perception. Though the polling started in a dull note due to morning chill, it has picked up as the day progressed. As many as 54.09 per cent voters have exercised their franchise till 1400 hrs, two hours before the end of polling. Gool Arnas in Jammu region with 66.02 per cent polling top the voter turnout while Home Shalibugh in south Kashmir witnessed lowest 27.01 per cent polling during the first six hours, an official spokesman said.
Long queues of voters, including women and first timers could be seen outside the polling booths. He said Gool Arnas recorded highest 66.02 per cent polling followed by Reasi 65 per cent, Gulabgarh 64.19 per cent, Udhampur 63.21 per cent, Ramnagar 62.42 per cent, Mendhar 61.50 per cent, Surankote 60.50 per cent, Poonch Haveli 58 per cent and Chenani 56.36 per cent all in jammu region, Karnah 54 per cent, Handwara and Lolab 51 per cent each, Langate 49 per cent, Kupwara 48 per cent, Noorabad 47.87 per cent, Devsar 45 per cent, Kulgam 40 per cent and lowest 27.01 per cent in Home Shalibugh. Interestingly Home Shalibugh also recorded lowest 54.36 per cent among these constituencies in 2008 elections. .
(AGENCIES)_
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