Voting dull in Kashmir's Anantnag (Third Lead)

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Very low voter turnout was recorded in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency that went to the polls Thursday. Only 15 percent votes were cast in the first five hours, with a few incidents of violence reported.

Tral assembly constituency where two village headmen were killed by separatist guerrillas on Monday recorded the lowest - 0.35 percent - voter turnout till noon, followed by Pulwama assembly constituency with just 0.66 percent and Pampore with 1.67 percent.

In Khanabal polling station in Anantnag town, where 1,118 voters are registered, just 10 votes were cast till noon.

High voter turnout was recorded in Noorabad, Dooru and Pahalgam, with 28 percent, 21 percent and 24 percent votes polled in the first five hours.

There were a few incidents of violence. Youths pelted stones at polling stations in Koil, Malangpora, Pulwama, Lassipora and Koimoh towns.

At some places, announcements were made on loudspeakers asking people to stay away from the polls.

Voter turnout was also low in Bijbehara, the home town of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate Mehbooba Mufti, and her father Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.