The third phase of District Development Council (DDC) polls recorded a voter turnout of over 50.53 per cent on Friday.
The voting process across 33 constituencies passed off peacefully but a DDC candidate was injured after a firing incident was reported in Sagam area of Kokernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
According to official sources, unidentified gunmen fired at Anees ul Islam, Apni Party candidate during the day. His condition was stated to be stable as he had received bullet injury on his arm.
Significantly, the South Kashmir districts of Pulwama,Shopian and Anantnag recorded a marginal increase in voter turnout compared to the second round of polling. Kulgam,Bandipora and Budgam continue to record high voter turnout showing great enthusiasm towards strengthening grass roots democracy.
State Election Commission KK Sharma said, “In the third phase an overall 50.53 per cent voter turnout was recorded with Kashmir division witnessing 31.61 per cent voter turnout and Jammu division recorded 68.88 per cent voter turnout.
The border districts of Rajouri, Poonch recorded the highest voter turn of over 72 per cent while Samba and Kathua districts reported 70.15 per cent and 62.18 per cent voter turnout in Jammu region. The hilly districts of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban too recorded high voter turnout 70 per cent, 59.5 per cent and 64.79 per cent.