In Kashmir valley despite posters coming up in various constituencies urging people to boycott the poll, people are defying the diktats of separatists and are coming out to exercise their franchise. By noon 2 p.m 44 per cent polling was recorded in 16 assembly segments, spread over three districts of Baramulla, Badgam and Pulwama which went to polls in the third phase of five-phased elections today. Uri Assembly segment in Baramulla district which was rocked by fidayeen attack on an Army camp on Friday last recorded impressive 62 per cent voting followed by Charar-i-Sharief assembly segment in Badgam district which recorded 55.40 per cent polling. 55 per cent poling was recorded in Khansahib constituency. Concerned over the recent spurt in militant violence the authorities have made unprecedented security arrangements for free fair and peaceful polling in the 16 constituencies going to polls today.

In Jharkhand, polling is being held peacefully in all the 17 seats of third phase. In 14 of the 17 Assembly seats, it will end about an hour from now at 3 PM, while voting in Ranchi, Hatia and Kanke would continue upto 5 PM due to use of V. V. PAT by which voters are being shown their voting details slips after voting . Till 11 AM, 30 percent votes were cast. About 50 lakhs voters in this phase have choice to choose from 289 candidates through 9073 Electronic Voting Machines in 5865 polling.

The election trends suggest that this time voting percentage would be higher. Election Commission has made good arrangements for smooth and peaceful voting. There are 472 model booths. More than 35 thousands Central and State police force are employed to provide security .A minor attempt by naxals to create disturbance in Giridih district was foiled by quick retaliatory fire by the police. Today election will decide the fate of some important figures like ex-Speaker CP Singh, ex- Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, AJSU Chief Sudesh Mahto and Ministers Rajendra Prasad Singh and Anapurna Devi .