Srinagar by-polls record 6.5 percent voter turnout, clashes kills six

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], Apr. 9 (ANI): Srinagar reported a poor 6.5 percent voter turnout on Sunday during the by-polls for Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency as multiple instances of violence took place in Jammu and Kashmir. Large spread violence was reported from Budgam area in central Kashmir, which is a part of the three districts voting in the elections - Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal. Reports suggest polling stations were attacked and EVM machines were broken at many places. Severe clashes were reported from Delwan and Chadoora area where two people lost their lives. Locals said a group of boys tried to attack a polling station, but the security forces opened fire resulting in the two casualties. Three others were injured in the incident. A similar incident was reported in Beerwah area where another person lost his life during the clashes. The violence affected the overall voting percentage. Earlier in 2014 polls, voter turnout was 26 percent, slightly better than 25.55 percent recorded in 2009 elections. Nine candidates were in fray for the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency where more than 1,500 polling stations were set up for nearly 12.61 lakh voters. Internet services were shut down ahead of the polling. All the polling stations were declared as either 'sensitive' or 'hyper-sensitive' keeping in mind threats perceptions. The counting will take place on April 13. (ANI)