J&K panchayat polls: 71.1% voter turnout recorded in second phase

Voting for the second phase of panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir ended with 80.4 per cent of voter turnout in Jammu division and 53.2 per cent in Kashmir division, while overall voter turnout of the state was 71.1 per cent.

As much as 72.3 per cent voter turnout was recorded in Ramban, 77.9 per cent in Kishtwar, 81.7 per cent in Doda, 83.5 per cent in Rajouri, 84 per cent in Udhampur, 27.4 per cent turnout in Ganderbal, 44.8 per cent in Kashmir Valley, 66.3 per cent in Leh, 70.5 per cent in Kupwara and 75.2 per cent in Kargil.

Over 2.37 lakh voters out of 3.31 lakh voters exercised their franchise in spite of threats to life and limb.

Speaking to ANI, Jammu and Kashmir governor Satyapal Malik said that no poll-related casualty was reported in any part of the state.

"Good thing is there was no poll-related casualty. Villagers want their share of development; it will strengthen democracy in villages. Till now politics of Kashmir was in urbans' hands, now it will bring a new generation of politicians," he added.

Polling was held in 17 blocks in Jammu division, 12 blocks in Kashmir region and 11 blocks in Ladakh region.

The third phase of polling is scheduled for November 24.