Polling is underway for the third phase of five phased Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Jharkhand. In Kashmir valley Polling which started on a dull note this morning, has gained momentum in 16 assembly segments, spread over three districts of Baramulla, Badgam and Pulwama in the third phase of five-phased elections.

However, a blast took place outside a polling booth at Khahi Pura in Tangmarg area of Gulmarg assembly segment of Baramull district. However, no one was injured . The polling which stopped for couple of minutes in the polling booth has resumed again. So far 47% polling has been recorded from Tangmarg area of Gulmarg Assembly segment.

The authorities have made unprecedented security arrangements for free, fair and peaceful polling in these constituencies. According to AIR correspondent Uri which was rocked by fidayeen attack on an Army camp is seen people coming out in large numbers to exercise their franchise.

In Jharkhand, polling is taking place for 17 seats amidst tight security. 289 candidates including former Speaker CP Singh, former Chief Minister Babulal Marandi, AJSU President Sudesh Mahto and Ministers Rajendra Prasad Singh, Anapurna Devi and JP Patel are in the fray.

While polling for 14 seats will end 3 PM, the voting for Ranchi, Hatia and Kanke seats will continue till 5 PM due to use of VVPAT by which voters would be given machine printed slips after voting. All sensitive booths have been handed over to Central Para Military Forces, and four helicopters are in standby position.