Pulwama, Shopian witnesses clashes amid low polling

SRINAGAR, MAY 06 (PTK): Intense clashes erupted between youth and security forces in Murran area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir this afternoon after youth tried to march towards a polling booth located in the area.

As per reports pouring in here, youth and security forces clashed in Murran area of Pulwama after some youth came out of homes and started marching towards a polling booth. The government forces tried to stop the marching youth after which they were pelted with stones.

As the clashes intensified, security forces used teargas smoke shells, pellets to disperse the protesting youth. Despite attempts by security forces to disperse the youth, clashes were on in the area.

More than a dozen youth were arrested from the area days before today to conduct polls violence free.

Meanwhile, Shopian and Pulwama districts of Anantnag parliamentary constituency are voting today. Most of the polling booths in these districts were seen deserted however in some parts, people voted excitedly.

Meanwhile four youth were injured during clashes with the security forces in Shopian district.

Reports said that clashes erupted in Batmurran village of the district where polling was held today.

They said that youth pelted the forces with stones who responded by firing tear gas.

Enthusiastic voters started pouring out to throng the polling stations in Leh and Kargil districts.

In contrast, most of the polling stations wore a deserted look in Shopian and Pulwama districts where polling is being held in the third and final phase of Anantnag Lok Sabha seat.

Polling started at 7 a.m. in both the Lok Sabha seats, but it will end at 4 p.m. in Anantnag constituency and 6 p.m. in Ladakh constituency. (PTK)