Second phase of panchayat polls underway in Kashmir

One block each in Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara and Budgam districts of the Valley went to polls to elect panchs and sarpanchs. A total of 2,139 candidates are in the fray.

The enthusiasm witnessed in the first phase of polls is missing but people have turned up at the polling stations to cast their votes, official sources said.

They said heavy rainfall since early morning, which led to cold wave like conditions, could be one reason for low turnout.

The polls are being held amidst heightened security following the killing of a woman panch candidate by militants in Pakherpora area of Budgam district on Friday night.

The panchayat elections are being held in Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of 10 years. The third phase of polling will be held on April 21.