Nearly 8 people were killed in Srinagar in a dispute with security forces during the by-poll for Lok Sabha seat on Sunday. Notably, the constituency witnessed a record low with 6.5 per cent voter turnout. It is the lowest in last 30 years.
Annoyed crowds took to streets in huge numbers across the constituency including Budgam, and Ganderbal districts. They resorted to violence and torching amid boycott call by separatists. Polling booth was set on fire and rioters tried to set ablaze to two more booths as well.
After an increase in violence on Sunday, internet services have been suspended in entire Kashmir Valley till next poll in Anantnag by-poll on April 12. “The tentative voter turnout for the Srinagar Lok Sabha constituency is 6.5 per cent,” Jammu and Kashmir s Chief Electoral Officer Shantmanu told reporters at the conclusion of polling.
Srinagar district saw 3.84 per cent while Ganderbal district witnessed 14.71 per cent. Budgam district recorded 8.82 per cent voting. The seat had logged 26 per cent polling in the 2014 general elections.
