Srinagar: Indian administration hosted a by-poll in Srinagar today which witnessed 6.5% voter turnout amidst strong protests from Kashmiris. According to Times of India (ToI) at least 6 persons were killed and several injured after Indian forces opened fire on a mob of protesters in Srinagar during by-elections.
As per reports in Indian Media at least 70 polling stations were shut due to protests by Kashmiris.
A report in First Post notes that more than 100 members of Indian forces were injured in clashes with protesters in Srinagar.
File Photo | Protests by Kashmiri youth
According to First Post Jammu and Kashmir chief electoral officer Shantmanu, said that a re-poll is likely in Sringar considering the poor voter turnout.
“I cannot say anything about the re-poll as of now; the figure can be anywhere around 50 or 100 polling stations or more than that,” PTI quotes Shantmanu.
Notably, pro-freedom Kashmiri group Hurriyat Conference had called for boycott of by-election. Group leader SAS Geelani has said in a written statement that ‘participation in elections tantamount to treason with martyr’s blood’.