J&K ULB polls: Voting begins on dull note for 2nd phase

Srinagar: Polling began on a very dull note in all the 49 municipal wards in the second of four- phased urban local bodies (ULB) polls  in the Kashmir valley amid unprecedented security arrangements.

The voting started in all 270 polling stations at 0600 hrs, an hour earlier against first phase when it started at 0700 hrs, and will held at 1600 hrs.Majority of polling booths set up in these wards were yet to open account as no voter was visible during the first hour.However, authorities are confident that people will come out and exercise their democratic right to elect their representatives.

Surprisingly, the voters still do not  know the name of candidates which was kept a top secret for security reasons. There was also no campaigning and majority candidates were staying under unprecedented security arrangements following killing of two National Conference (NC) workers at Karfali Mohalla in the old city last week. However, NC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) besides Communist Party of India (M) stayed away from elections leaving the field open for BJP and Congress.

The Municipal wards going to polls today included Solina, Alochibagh, Sheikh Dawood colony Batmaloo, Ziarat Batmaloo, Shaheed Gunj, Karan Nagar, Chattabal, Qamarwari, Bemina east, Bemina west, Nundresh colony, Parimpora, Zainakote, Lawaypora, Mujgund, Tankipora, Haba kadal, Barbarshah, Fateh kadal, Munawarabad in Srinagar and Langate, Sumbal, Kunzar, Watergam, Chararshrieef, Beerwah, Magam yaripora,Frisal, Anantnag, Bijbehara in other parts of the valley.

The Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) has called for a strike in these areas only.Hundreds of Central Paramilitary Forces (CPF) and state police personnel, wearing bullet proof jackets and holding automatic weapons have been deployed in the entire Srinagar city, particularly in the areas where polling will be held to prevent any violence.The first phase was held on Monday when Kashmir recorded low while Jammu and Ladakh witnessed brisk polling.(UNI)