Srinagar, November 17 (KNO): Amid tight security across the Valley, the first phase of nine-phased Panchayat polls culminated on Saturday with recording 74.1 per cent total turnout in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials said that 64.5 percent total turnout was recorded in Kashmir while as 79.5 per cent poll percentage was recorded in Jammu division.
Officials said that the total turnout in Kupwara, Bandipora and Baramulla districts of north Kashmir recorded 71.9%, 55.7 % and 69.1% respectively in the Phase-I while as Ganderbal recorded 11.9 percent, Srinagar recorded 21.8 percent, Budgam recorded 30.1 %, Kargil recorded 70.9 %, Leh recorded 59.7 %, Doda recorded 80.8 %, Ramban recorded 78.2 %, Udhampur recorded 83.6 %, Kathua recorded 80.0 %, Rajouri recorded 78.9 % and Poonch recorded 78.7%.
Polling for Phase-I of Panchayat Polls-2018 was held today at 3296 polling stations across the state, including 1303 in Kashmir and 1993 in Jammu Division. The polling begun at from 8 am to 2 pm. At least 5585 candidates are in the fray for 420 Sarpanch and 1845 Panch seats in Phase-I while as 85 Sarpanchs and 1676 Panchs were already elected unopposed in the Phase.
687 polling stations were categorized as hypersensitive including 491 in Kashmir and 196 in Jammu division. Earlier, the government had declared holiday on the day of poll in the panchayat areas going to polls so as to enable the voters to cast their vote. Special casual leave has also been granted to the employees who have to go to other areas to exercise their right to franchise.(KNO)