By IANS,
Jammu : The high voter turnout in the first phase of the seven-stage polling in Jammu and Kashmir is a positive indication for a better future and a stable state, National Conference president Omar Abdullah said Monday.
Addressing public meetings in parts of the Jammu region, Abdullah said the turnout of was contrary to common perception.
“The turnout of the people to exercise their constitutional right is an eye-opener,” he said.
“It proves the people of the state want the Kashmir issue be resolved. They want to assert their right, elect their representatives who can address their day to day grievances,” the National Conference president said.
At least 55 percent of more than 600,000 electorate in 10 constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir exercised their franchise Monday.
The voter turnout is significant given a boycott by separatist leaders, who had urged the people to stay away from the exercise.