High voter-turnout trend continued in Jammu division as the polling for phase-III of Eight Phase District development Council elections and Panchayat by polls was held today across seventeen DDC constituencies, official spokesperson said on Friday.
According to a statement issued here, the day witnessed polling in Bhaderwah East and Bhaderwah West DDC constituencies in district Doda; Bhunjwah and Nagseni DDC constituencies in district Kishtwar; Billawar and Basohli DDC Constituencies in district Kathua; mountainous Gool constituency in district Ramban; Mandi and Loran DDC constituencies in District Poonch; Thanamandi and Budhal Old-A DDC constituencies in District Rajouri; Balwal and Marh DDC Constituencies in District Jammu; Vijaypur-A and Vijaypur-B DDC constituencies in District Samba; and Mahore and Thuroo DDC Constituencies in District Reasi.
The polling was also held for vacant seats of Sarpanchs and Panchs in the Panchayathalqas of these areas. The polling started sharp at 7 AM and concluded peacefully at 2 PM with no reports of disturbance from any area.
The harsh winter weather and tough terrain being no deterrent, long queues of voters were witnessed in the mountainous Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts of Chenab region. Reports of massive voter participation were also received from Kathua, besides Rajouri and Poonch districts in the Pirpanchal region.
The voters young, old and female were seen standing in long queues right from the word go- undeterred by the cold weather. The first time rural voters both female and male were seen enjoying the festive spectacle of democracy, while waiting for their turn. The enthusiasm to vote was writ large on their beaming faces.
The election to the District Development Councils and vacant Panchayat seats would complete three tier Panchayat Raj System in Jammu and Kashmir Union territory- meeting the long cherished dream of the masses.