KL Report
SRINAGAR
Voting started on a slow note in 15 assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday because of the cold temperature and foggy weather conditions however it gained momentum as the day preceded.
After the initial hour, as the sun came up, more voters turned up in places such as Mamarcherman, Kangan and Margund areas.
The chief minister, Omar Abdullah early morning appealed the people to vote in large numbers.
“1st phase of voting today, good luck to all the voters braving the cold weather. Vote in large numbers & vote with your hearts,” Tweeted Omar.
Two districts in the Kashmir Valley, two in the Ladakh region, and three in Jammu region are voting today.
Besides 225 micro observers, the election commission has arranged webcasting at 159 polling stations.
Over a million voters will get to decide the political fate of 123 candidates who are in the fray in the state.
In Nubra, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar constituencies of Ladakh region, the morning temperature was several notches below the freezing point. The morning cold also affected the early voter turnout in Doda, Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Inderwal, Ramban and Bannihal constituencies in the Jammu region however the voters started coming out of their houses later.
Officials said voting was going on peacefully in all 15 constituencies.
