Srinagar: The first of the four phases of urban local bodies elections in Jammu and Kashmir which began Monday morning in the first such polls in 13 years drew tepid response in Kashmir Valley with Kupwara recording the highest with just 18% voter turnout till 11 am while Rajouri in Jammu division topped with 55%.
The voting percentage was in single digit in Anantnag, Budgam, Bandipora, Baramula and Srinagar, according to an official statement.
In Jammu division, the response was better with longer queues seen outside polling booths. Jammu recorded 34% voter turnout while in Poonch the figure was 47%. Kargil saw 33% voting while 26% of the electorate voted in Leh till 11 am.
The elections are taking place under heavy security after militants warned candidates not to contest the polls which are being held for the first time since 2013.
Despite the tight security, violence marred polling in Bandipora where BJP candidate Adil Buhroo in Ward number 3 was hurt in stone pelting.