New Delhi, Leading News Service: The fifth phase of voting was held in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday (20th). In this polling process, Baramulla Lok Sabha Constituency saw a remarkable turnout of 59 percent. This percentage is the highest voting percentage so far, said Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir PK Pole.
The previous highest polling in this constituency was in 1984. At that time, 58.84 voters exercised their right to vote. Voters thronged the polling booths, expressing satisfaction over improved security conditions and the waning influence of sponsored boycott calls that have prevailed for the past three decades.
The situation has improved and the fear among people has subsided. This bodes well for democracy. People have often not voted in the past because of the threat to their lives, but this time, voting is taking place without any level of interference.
– Abdul Ahad Bhat (local citizen of Soibug)
Soibug, in central Kashmir's Budgam district and a part of Baramulla constituency, is the native village of Syed Salluddin, the Pakistan-based leader of the banned terrorist group Hizbul Mujahideen. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah is the candidate in this constituency. Along with this, the voters highlighted unemployment and rising electricity bills as the major issues facing them.
Mohammad Yewar, a voter, noted that since the Lt. Governor-led administration has been ruling without an elected government for five years in Jammu and Kashmir, citizens have not been able to voice their concerns effectively. It is also hoped that after the abrogation of Article 370, this election in the valley will provide an opportunity for the people to elect a leader who can listen to their concerns and solve their problems.
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