Srinagar, December 7
Barring minor incidents of violence and separatists’ protests in Sopore and Baramulla, 55 per cent of polling was registered in 18 constituencies of four districts that went to polls in the fourth phase of elections in the state today.
Briefing mediapersons here today, chief electoral officer B.R. Sharma said the polling was peaceful in Baramulla and Budgam districts in Kashmir, and Udhampur and Reasi districts of the Jammu region.
Seven constituencies of Baramulla district registered 43 per cent, 54 per cent in Budgam, 73 per cent in Reasi and 63 per cent in Udhampur district.
Sporadic clashes between anti-poll protesters and security forces occured at a few places while there was a grenade explosion at Sopore but no one was killed. The voting was spread over Baramulla,Udhampur,Budgam and Reasi districts. Four photojournalists covering anti-poll protests at Arampora, were allegedly beaten up by security personnel.
Reports of malfunctioning of Electronic Voting Machines at four places in Reasi and Udhampur districts were reported.
Minutes after the start of the polling in Baramulla district, militants exploded a hand grenade on the Sopore- Sangrama road but there was no report of loss of life or damage to property.
There was one incident of firing in air by a PSO of a candidate in the Pattan constituency of Baramulla district after clashes between the supporters of two rival parties. The incident is being looked into and orders had been issued to disarm the PSO, IGP, Kashmir Range, B. Srinivasan told mediapersons.
