Kashmiris vote defying rebel threats

Islamic separatist rebels had staged a spate of deadly attacks on candidates, party workers and rallies in the lead-up to the civic elections that are being held in stages in the restive region to protect voters.

"Nearly 60 percent (of eligible) voters cast their ballot in the first phase today (Saturday)," a state election department spokesman told AFP, quoting preliminary turnout figures.

"Due to freezing temperatures voting was slow at first but picked up when the sun came out," he said after closure of the polls that were violence free.

The turnout in the districts of Baramulla and Kupwara that Indian security officials say have a heavy militant presence were a big rebuff to separatists and rebels who had called for a boycott, the Indian Kashmir government said.

Rebels had staged a series of bloody attacks on election rallies, candidates and party workers in the lead up to voting which was held under tight security.

"The high turnout is a big victory for democracy in Kashmir," said Tourism Minister Ghulam Hassan Mir, a senior leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. "It proves people are fed up with violence. They're more interested in development of the state."

The turnout beat the 46 percent who cast ballots in 2002 state polls in Indian Kashmir where a deadly revolt has raged against New Delhi's rule for 15 years. The average turnout in Indian general elections is 55 percent.

The voting Saturday was in Kupwara and Baramulla districts adjoining Pakistan-administered Kashmir, both well-known rebel crossing points into the territory, according to Indian security officials.

India accuses Pakistan of arming rebels and pushing them into Indian Kashmir to fight New Delhi's rule, a charge Islamabad denies.

The strong turnout came against the backdrop of a nascent peace process between India and Pakistan, who share divided Kashmir but claim it in full.

Heavily armed police and paramilitary forces ringed polling booths to provide security to voters who were choosing councillors to represent them.

Srinagar, considered an urban centre for militant elements, and winter capital Jammu are set to vote February 1.