ANANTNAG : Polling began on a slow note in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag assembly constituency amid unprecedented security arrangements today against the backdrop of boycott call by separatist organisations.
Polling started at 0700 hrs at all polling stations in the constituency, from where Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is contesting.
Majority of polling stations are yet to open account, while in some areas, few voters could be seen exercising their franchise. However, authorities are hopeful that voters will come out in large numbers to cast their votes as the day progresses.
Ms Mufti is contesting elections from Anantnag to enter the state legislature — which is a must for any chief minister of the state to fulfill within six months of being sworn in.
The seat fell vacant following the death of Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed in AIIMS at New Delhi on January 7, 2016.
The constituency was represented by her father for two successive terms in 2008 and 2014 as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate. Besides Ms Mufti of PDP, Hilal Ahmad Shah of Congress, Iftikhar Hussain Misgar of National Conference (NC) and independents Tejinder Singh, Manzoor Ahmad Khan, Mujeeb-Ur-Rahman, Masroor Ahmad Mir and Mushtaq Ahmad Shah are in the fray.
The counting of votes will be held on June 25.
The Election Commission had announced bypoll in Anantnag segment in May. However, on the request of the state government that situation was not conducive for polling following massive violence in which five people were killed in security force firing at Handwara in north Kashmir, the polling was rescheduled and fixed on June 19.
Polling was again rescheduled after almost all political parties filed a representation before EC that they apprehend that voting percentage will be low as it coincides with the death anniversary of Mirwaiz south Kashmir Dr Qazi Nissar.
Later, the polling date was fixed for today and counting of votes will be held on June 25. A senior police officer said that three tier security arrangements have been made to ensure free, fair and peaceful polling in the constituency.
”We have taken all necessary measures to provide a conducive atmosphere to voters to exercise their right,” said the officer.
Security check posts have been set up on all roads leading to Anantnag to prevent anti national elements to enter the polling area.
Both the factions of the Hurriyat Conference (HC), Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other separatist organisations have called for boycotting polls. However, authorities prevented separatist leaders to address ”anti-poll” rallies in the constituency. (AGENCIES)
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