J-K Panchayat polls: 71.1% voting in Phase-V

In Phase-V of Panchayat Polls held here on Thursday, the state witnessed an overall poll percentage of 71.1 per cent.

According to the Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, Shaleen Kabra, an overwhelming 85.2 per cent polling was witnessed in Jammu division and 33.7 per cent in Kashmir division.

Giving district-wise details, Kabra said that Kupwara witnessed 42.5 per cent polling, Bandipora 34.6 per cent, Baramulla 32.9 per cent, Ganderbal 20.3 per cent, Budgam 34.8 per cent, Pulwama 0.5 per cent, Anantnag 10.1 per cent, Doda 83.3 per cent, Ramban 85.2 per cent, Udhampur 82 per cent, Reasi 89.1 per cent, Jammu 88.9 per cent, Rajouri 82.8 per cent and Poonch 84.5 per cent.

Kabra said in the Phase-I of Panchayat Polls held on November 17, 74.1 per cent polling was recorded across Jammu and Kashmir including 64.5 per cent in Kashmir division and 79.4 per cent in Jammu division. In the Phase-II of Panchayat Polls held on November 20, overall 71.1 per cent polling was witnessed across the state with an overwhelming 80.4 per cent polling in Jammu division and 52.2 per cent in Kashmir division.

He said in Phase-III, the State witnessed a polling percentage of 75.2 per cent which includes 55.7 per cent in Kashmir division and 83.0 per cent in Jammu division.

In Phase-IV, he said, JK witnessed 71.3 per cent voting in Phase-IV with 82.4 per cent electors exercising their franchise in Jammu division and 32.3 per cent in Kashmir division.

Meanwhile, Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam conveyed compliments from Governor Satya Pal Malik to the civil and police administration for smooth, free and fair and peaceful conduct of Panchayat Polls amid a challenging situation. He said it was heartening to note that the process was halfway through and the hailed the divisional, district and police administration and all other concerned Departments for ensuring smooth polls.

Pertinently, Chief Secretary was, on the instructions of the Governor, camping in Srinagar to himself monitor the election process.