Polling picks up in Jammu and Kashmir constituency

People stood in long queues in this north Kashmir assembly constituency Tuesday to cast their franchise in the second phase of Jammu and Kashmir polls. Many of them said they were voting for change.

Men and women lined up in all the five polling stations in Handwara town. Many of the voters said they were voting for change that would bring employment, better healthcare facilities, roads, and schools.

"I have come out to vote for change. I have no reservations in admitting that remaining out from voting in the past has compounded our day-to-day problems," said Abdul Majeed, 45, who voted at the girls' higher secondary school polling station in the town.

"We are voting for a better representative for a better tomorrow," he told IANS.

In the neighbouring Langate constituency also, voters queued up in Kargama, Langate and other polling stations. Most of the voters said they want change for development and a better tomorrow.

"Nobody did anything for us in the past. We have decided to change the beneficiaries of our democratic rights. Let us see what happens," said Bashir Ahmad, 48, at Kargana polling station.

"The urge to bring in change for the better is making me stand in this long queue," he told IANS.

In south Kashmir's Kulgam, Noorabad, Devsar and Homeshallibugh constituencies, men and women were present in large in numbers to cast their votes.

The first phase of polling Nov 25 saw 70 voter turnout.

Over 1.5 million voters will get to decide the political fate of 175 candidates in the fray. Polling started at 8 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m. Tuesday.