KNZ NEWS DESK
Srinagar, October 08: Amid heightened security, voting began for the first phase of municipal polls in Jammu and Kashmir on Monday.
Two main regional parties, the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have boycotted the polls. Separatist leaders have also called for the boycott of the polls.
422 of 1145 wards are going to polls in the first phase of the municipal elections today.
Unprecedented security arrangements have been put in place by the state authorities and the election commission, to ensure peaceful polls. Also, all candidates have been provided either cluster security in hotels or individually in the Valley.
The polling began start at 7 AM and will culminate at 4 PM later today.
According to the Election Commission, a total of 1283 candidates will be contesting in the 422 municipal wards today.
The counting of votes will be done on October 20
