Polling for the first phase of assembly elections in Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir is underway amidst tight security. In Jharkhand, polling is being held in 13 Assembly seats peacefully. 27.72 per cent polling has been reported in 13 assembly seats of Jharkhand till 11 AM.

Nearly thirty three and half lakh voters will exercise their franchise to seal the fate of 199 candidates from different political parties and Independents in this phase today. Our correspondent reports that administration has made all the necessary arrangements for peaceful poll and shoot- at- sight order has been issued for those who try to create violence and loot the booths.

In Jammu and Kashmir, polling is underway in 15 assembly segments at 1,787 polling booths. These assembly segments include all four seats of Ladakh, five seats of Kashmir and six seats of Jammu region. All arrangements are in place for peaceful, free and fair elections. Low to Moderate polling has been reported upto 10 AM from different constituencies.

In Kargil, long queues are seen outside the polling stations. AIR correspondent reports that till noon 21 per cent voters have cast their votes. Meanwhile, Election Commission has banned the publication and dissemination of exit polls of any kind in poll-bound Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir.