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. Moderate to brisk votes were polled in different constituencies 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. Meanwhile, Election Commission has banned the publication and dissemination of exit polls of any kind in poll-bound Jharkhand and Jammu and Kashmir.