National

60 p.c. turnout in Kargil council polls

By Luv Puri

Jammu July 10. History was created in Kargil today when over 60 per cent of voters exercised their franchise in the first elections to the Kargil Autonomous Hill Development Council.

The Council is constituted on the pattern of the Leh Autonomous Hill Development Council, which was formed in 1994.

High enthusiasm was witnessed in the border district, which was carved out in 1979 from the erstwhile Leh.

Enthusiasm was particularly high among women, who stood in separate queues.

The young surpassed the elder voters.

In the shelling-prone Drass sector, people came out to vote despite the fear factor.

An official spokesman said the "elections were held in a peaceful environment".

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