Srinagar, Monday 17 November 2008: Braving the winter chill and ignoring a boycott call by separatist leaders, voters turned out in large numbers in the first phase of Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.

Amid tight security, polling began at 8.00 am in 10 constituencies spread over four districts of the state, namely Bandipora, Poonch, Leh and Kargil.

Barring a small clash between a group of people protesting against the elections in Bandipora town and the police, and a scuffle between workers of National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the neighbouring Sonawari constituency, balloting was progressing smoothly.

Notwithstanding the freezing cold and the fear of the separatists, the trickle of voters at polling stations across the 10 constituencies in the Jammu, Ladakh and Kashmir Valley regions continued. The crowds were increasing as the day progressed.
(Agency)