Elders brave chilly weather to cast votes early in J&K

Voters turned out in large numbers in 11 assembly constituencies in three districts of Jammu and Kashmir this morning to cast their votes in the fifth-phase of elections in the state.

Voters turned out in large numbers in 11 assembly constituencies in three districts of Jammu and Kashmir this morning to cast their votes in the fifth-phase of elections in the state.

Defying separatists’ boycott call, voters were seen gathering outside polling stations at Pampore, Pulwama, Rajpora, Tral, Wachi, Shopian, Bani, Basohli, Kathua, Billawar and Hiranagar, official sources said.

Of the 1154 polling booths set up in the 11 constituencies, including 65 auxiliary stations, 1012 have been described as “hypersensitive” and “sensitive”.

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Age did not deter senior citizens from exercising their franchise as 110-year-old Wali Mohammad Dar and 90-year-old Haji Ghulam Mohammad Mir were among the first to cast their votes in Rajpora constituency.

Braving chilly weather, 95-year-old Zoona Ded cast her vote at Wuyan-A polling station, while 80-year-old Gulzar Ahmad was among the first voters at Konabal-A polling station in Pampore assembly constituency.

Similar enthusiasm was evident when 82-year-old Abdul Salam Ahanger braved the hostile weather and exercised his franchise at Pinglana polling booth.

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