Srinagar: Polling for 16 constituencies in the sixth round of the seven-phased Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began on Wednesday amid tight security and snowfall in upper reaches of the state.
"The voter turn-out was low this morning due to chilly conditions because of snowfall in Peer Panjal range and rains in plains. However, polling staff and security personnel took their positions at 1,268 polling booths by 7.30 am," official sources said.
Electoral fortunes of 271 candidates, including two former chief ministers -- Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad -- would be decided today. As many as 20,000 additional security forces personnel and nearly 10,000 local policemen have been deployed at the polling booths for smooth conduct of polls, they said.
Over 11.65 lakh voters are eligible to cast their vote at 1,268 polling stations in the 16 constituencies in Anantnag, Kulgam, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts. Sayeed, who won from Pahalgam constituency in 2004 by-poll, is contesting from Anantnag this time. Although there are 23 candidates in fray, the PDP Patron is facing a stiff competition from his former lieutenant and NC state president Mehboob Beg.
Azad, who is seeking re-election from Bhaderwah constituency, is locked in a triangular contest with NC's Mohammad Aslam Goni and Sheikh Mujeeb of PDP though there are 10 others in the fray.
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