Violence Marks Kashmir Elections

India's Election Commission said that 41 percent of registered voters cast their ballots Tuesday in Jammu-Kashmir state elections marked by violent attacks on polling stations and security forces.

At least 15 people were killed in explosions and gun battles throughout the state in attacks police blamed on Islamic militants who threatened to punish those who took part in the elections.

"The militant activity during voting was the highest compared to the other phases," said Deputy Election Commissioner Sayan Chatterjee.

The Election Commission said that the 41 percent figure covered four districts: Anantnag, where it said 25 percent had voted; Pulwama, where it recorded 28 percent; Kathua, where it reported a 59 percent turnout; and Udhampur, with a reported 59 percent.

"Anantnag and Pulwama were the most difficult areas, where the militants had the advantage of terrain and they are present in large numbers," Chatterjee said.

Many voters said they were forced by security forces to cast ballots in the region, claimed by both India and Pakistan and the source of two wars between the nuclear-armed neighbors.

"There have been a series of violent incidents today in all the districts that went to the polls," said Pramod Jain, chief election officer in Srinagar, summer capital of India's only Muslim-majority state.

He said there were 23 major incidents, including grenade explosions, gunfire attacks, and blasts with improvised devices.

"The poll turnout and voter enthusiasm would have been better had the violence not erupted," Jain said.

The turnout was the lowest of the three voting phases so far. One more election day is scheduled on Oct. 8, with results expected Oct. 12.

By Ashok Sharma