‘There are many reasons for low turnout’
Srinagar: Despite brisk polling in rural parts of Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency, the overall turnout remained low and was recorded 26 percent amid protests and clashes.
Addressing a press conference in Banquet Hall, the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Umang Nirula said that the Srinagar constituency which comprises of three districts – Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam – recorded 26 percent pollingWednesday.
In 2009, the Constituency had recorded 25.55 percent polling, according to officials.
“Srinagar district recorded 11.46 percent polling, Ganderbal recorded 45.61 percent polling and Budgam recorded 39.50 percent polling,” he said.
There are 15 segments in Srinagar constituency and the lowest polling was recorded in Habba Kadal segment with 4.3 percent and highest was recorded in Charar-e-Shareef with 65 percent, according to official figures.
In Srinagar, Hazratbal recorded 17.92 percent polling, Zadibal recorded 5.59 percent polling, Eidgah recorded 10.85 percent polling, Khanyar recorded 10.22 percent polling, Habba Kadal recorded 4.3 percent polling, Amira Kadal recorded 7.73 percent polling, Sonwar recorded 17.14 percent and Batamaloo recorded 12.98 percent.
Budgam recorded 38.67 percent polling; Chadoora recorded 35.38 percent polling, Beerwah recorded 32.64 percent polling, Khan Sahab recorded 28.83 percent polling and Charar-e-Shareef recorded 65 percent polling.
The Ganderbal segment recorded 30.5 percent polling and Kangan recorded 60.5 percent polling.
On being asked why Srinagar constituency recorded low turnout despite large scale detentions and no militant attack, the CEO replied by saying there are reasons. “There are local issues, many issues, bigger issues,” he said.
The officials also said that there was no bogus voting in any polling station of Srinagar constituency.
Meanwhile, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kashmir, Mr. Abdul Gani Mir said that an official has been suspended after two journalists were thrashed by police last week in Kulgam district.
“We have suspended an official and the investigation is on,” he said.
The IGP said baring stray incidents of stone-throwing, the polling in Srinagar remained peaceful and day passed off peacefully. (GNS)