Srinagar, Apr 19 (KNS): In the first four hours of polling in the first phase of the Lok Sabha election in Udhampur parliamentary constituency, over 24 percent of voters cast their ballots.

The polling started at 7 am across 2,637 polling stations in the constituency, with peaceful voting process and no untoward incidents.

Despite adverse weather conditions, early voters were seen heading to polling stations, with over 11,000 polling staff, including reserves, deployed to facilitate the election process. Security measures have been intensified to ensure fair and free elections.

The outcome of the voting will determine the fate of 12 candidates, including Union Minister Jitendra Singh, seeking a third term after winning for the BJP in 2014 and 2019.

This is the first major electoral contest following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories on August 5, 2019.(KNS)