64 per cent turnout in JK polls

In yet another snub to separatists, an estimated 64 per cent voters, braving the chilly weather, exercised their franchise in the penultimate phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly poll.

In yet another snub to separatists, an estimated 64 per cent voters, braving the chilly weather, on Wednesday exercised their franchise in the penultimate phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly poll which would decide among others the fate of two former Chief Ministers.

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Polling to 10 constituencies in Kashmir valley and six in the Jammu region, held under tight security, was by and large peaceful barring a few anti-poll protests and detection of an IED in Anantnag district.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer B R Sharma said 63 to 64 per cent polling was witnessed in the sixth round of the seven-stage assembly election.

This was a tentative figure as the poll percentage from far-flung areas in Doda and Kishtwar was still awaited, he said.

Like the first five rounds, the electorate defied boycott calls by the separatists yet again and turned out in large numbers to vote in today's phase.

Political fate of 271 candidates, including two ex-CMs Ghulam Nabi Azad of Congress and PDP's Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, will be decided in the penultimate round.