Fifth phase of panchayat polls underway in Kashmir

The fifth phase of panchayat elections began today in four blocks of Kashmir Valley and four blocks of Jammu division, officials said.

The votes are being cast in north Kashmir's Rajwara block in Kupwara district and Wagoora block in Baramulla district.

In south Kashmir's Damhal Hanjipora block in Kulgam district votes were being cast to elect the grass root level representatives.

Khansahib block in central Kashmir's Budgam district also went to voting today.

The four blocks in Jammu division where the panchayat elections are underway include Reasi block in Reasi district, Panchari block in Udhampur district, Basholi block in Kathua district and Bhalwal block in Jammu district.

The first leg of the 16-phase polls was held in eight blocks of the state on April 13.

The elections for the sixth phase will be held on May 4, seventh phase on May 8, eighth phase on May 12, ninth phase on May 16, tenth phase on May 21.

Last six phases will be held on May 25, May 29, June 2, June 6, June 11 and June 16.

Panchayat elections are being held in the state after a gap of 10 years.