J-K assembly polls: Over 41% votes recorded till 1 pm in first phase

Srinagar, Sep 18: Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday recorded 41.17 per cent voter turn out till 1 pm for the first phase of assembly polls, data from the office of Chief Election Commissioner for J&K said..

Earlier, till 11 am, over 26% voting was recorded.

Among the demands of voters, jobs, market deflation, and release of prisoners top the list.

Assembly polls in the Union Territory are being held after a gap of 10 years and will be conducted in three phases with first phase underway today.

The voting began at 7 am amid tight security arrangements.

The polls are being held for the first time since the abrogation of Article 370. Polling is underway in 24 constituencies spread over seven districts of the Union Territory.

Second phase will be held on September 25 and the final phase will be held on October 1, while the counting will be on October 8.

The voter turnout is expected to be large in the region this time, owing to the long period of direct rule by centre.