Farooq Abdullah and Omar cast votes for Srinagar seat

Opposition National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah and his son, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, cast their votes for the Srinagar Lok Sabha by-poll here on Sunday, that has been marred by violence.

Former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah, the joint candidate of his party and the Congress, and his son cast their vote at Burnhall School in the high-security Sonawar area of Srinagar.

Speaking to media, Farooq Abdullah said: "I have faith in God and people. Whatever happens will be known on April 15 (the day of counting)."

"We have done our best. If I was not hopeful I would not be standing here in front of your. God willing I will win," he said, and added "There is evidence of the government trying to obstruct voting."

Omar Abdullah also hit out at the Jammu and Kashmir government over the by-poll violence. He said people want to go and vote but the environment created was "such that people are not stepping out".

He charged the state with failing to provide a conducive atmosphere for voting.

"Mehbooba Mufti is responsible for this situation. There is mismanagement," he said.

"I have been a politician for 20 years, but I never saw such a bad situation for elections and campaigning," Omar Abdullah said.

The comments of the NC leaders came as three persons were killed and several injured in firing and clashes between security forces and anti-poll protesters in Budgam district.

Poor voting has been reported in the constituency, with Amira Kadal assembly segment recording just over 2 per cent till noon, Sonawar 1.78 per cent, Batamaloo 1.47 per cent, Zadibal 2.27 per cent, Ganderbal - 4.77 per cent and Kangan 11.26 per cent voting.

Protesters damaged EVMs and prevented voters from exercising franchise in the Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat by-poll.

Mobs torched a bus and damaged EVMs at some polling stations in Badgam.

At least 2,61,397 voters are eligible to cast vote in the Srinagar/Budgam seat where 1,559 polling stations have been set up.

--IANS

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