Srinagar
Barring sporadic incidents of scuffle between supporters and contesting candidates, the polling for the first phase of panchayat elections in Jammu and Kashmir ended peacefully.

Over 64 per cent of electorate voted Saturday in the first phase of Panchayat elections in Kashmir while an impressive turnout of 79.5 per cent was recorded in Jammu region, officials said.

The turnout in rural areas was significantly higher in Kashmir Valley unlike during the recent urban local bodies elections where barely 4 per cent of the electorate voted. Officials said 1.05 lakh of 1.63 lakh voters cast their ballots in the Valley.

Srinagar district recorded 21.8 per cent followed by 30.14 per cent in Budgam, 70 per cent in Kupwara, 69.1 per cent in Baramulla, 56.2 per cent in Bandipora, 60 per cent in Leh and 77.7 per cent in Kargil.

The total polling percentage in Jammu division was 79.5 per cent as 2.35 lakh voters out of 2.95 lakh voted, they said.

In Jammu region, polling per cent in Kishtwar was 74.1 per cent, Rajouri 78.9, Poonch 78.7, Udhampur 83.6, Doda 80.8, Kathua 80 and Ramban 78.2 per cent, they added.

The officials said the total number of electorate in these polling stations was 1,35,774 in Kashmir.

In Kashmir, separatists who asked people to boycott the polls had called for a strike Saturday. Major regional parties the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party too had decided not to participate in the local bodies polls.

Contingent plans was drawn for polling stations close to the Line of Control and the International Border so that these can be shifted to other places in case of a ceasefire violation.