Voting begins for 2nd phase of polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand

Srinagar, Patna: The stage is set for the second phase of elections in 18 seats in Jammu and Kashmir and 20 seats in Jharkhand on Tuesday, which will seal the fate of several high-profile candidates including two former CMs, seven state ministers and a former separatist.

In Jammu and Kashmir, security has been stepped up following the attacks on two sarpanches in Shopian district, a grenade attack in Lal Chowk in Srinagar and the infiltration attempts at Arnia sector along the international border.

In addition to 30,000 security personnel for  the polling booths, a huge contingents of local police and CRPF have been deployed in the sensitive areas of the state. Also, the Army has been put on alert at places particularly in frontier Poonch district, official sources said.

Officials said that a historic more than 71 percent voter turnout in the first phase of the elections has apparently  frustrated the militants and they have stepped up their activities since.

Prominent leaders in the fray in this phase are state minister Chowdhary Muhammad Ramzan of the NC, who is pitted aga-inst Sajad Lone of the People’s Conference.

In Jharkhand, former chief ministers Arjun Munda and Madhu Koda and three ministers are among the 223 candidates including 35 women, contesting from 20 seats.

The third phase of voting in both the states will be held on December 9, fourth phase on December 14 and fifth on December 20. Counting of votes will be held on December 23.