The re-poll in Srinagar-Budgam constituency drew a meager turnout even as the overall situation remained peaceful as thousands of police and paramilitary personnel manned the 38 polling stations during the day.
Chief electoral officer Shantmanu said 709 voters out of 35,169 (2.02 per cent) turned out for voting. “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 poll-bound areas. The district administration had imposed Section 144 in poll-bound areas in the district banning Assembly of more than four people.
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.
Sources said minor incidents of violence took place at Beerwah and Nasrullapora where few youths received minor injuries.
The separatists had called for shutdown in the poll-bound areas. Most of the shops, business establishments, schools and other establishments remained closed in the district while the vehicular movement was off the roads.
Meanwhile, the broadband and mobile internet services were restored immediately after the re-polling concluded.