Days after killings and protests forced the Election Commission to go for re-polls in 38 polling stations in Srinagar parliamentary seat, only 709 voters out of 35,169 turned out for voting.Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Shantmanu told KNS that only 709 voters, which is about 2.02% was recorded in the 38 polling stations during the day.“Though polling was low, but I am happy that no major incident of clashes took place,” he said.Fearing protests and clashes, the authorities had deployed heavy security in the areas where polling was to be held. The District administration had imposed Section 144 in poll-bound areas in the district.The re-polling was held in polling stations of Budgam district where seven civilian youths were killed and dozens injured by forces during clashes on April 9 when polling was held for Srinagar seat.An election commission official told KNS that barring few incidents of stone pelting, the day went of peacefully.
He said that stringent security measures were taken to avoid repeat of April 9 and ensure smooth re-polling. He said that additional 5000 forces were deployed who were under the supervision and direction of four SPs and 38 DySPs. The official said that each polling station had one DySP, one police company (70-80 personnel) and one CRPF company (70-80 personnel).Though under thick security cover no major incident was reported in the day, barring clashes in Beerwah and Nasrullapora where few youths received minor injuries, an official in security establishment said.Meanwhile, according to KNS correspondent, all the shops, business establishments, schools and other establishments remained closed in the district while the vehicular movement was off the roads. The shutdown call in the poll bound areas was given by the separatist leaders and had appealed the people to boycott the re-polls. (KNS)