Srinagar, Nov 17 : Polling is progressing peacefully for the first phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

Voting is taking place in ten constituencies spread over four districts of Bandipora, Poonch, Leh and Kargil.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair polls. Brisk polling was reported in Leh and Kargil districts.

Srinagar, India  - Elections to vote in a new legislative assembly began Monday in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir under tight security in view of a boycott call by separatist political parties and threats by militants.

Thousands of Indian Army troops and police provided security for voters in the 10 constituencies where the first of the seven-phase staggered elections are being held.

People were turning out in the early morning to cast their votes in small numbers, braving chilly weather in the Himalayan region, IANS news agency reported.

Election officials were quoted as saying that they expected the turnout to increase later in the day.

Jammu, Nov 16 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on Sunday alleged that the ex-Governor of the state Lieutenant General (Retd) S. K. Sinha had close links with Malegaon blast mastermind Dayanand Pandey and demanded a thorough investigation in the matter.

Mufti was addressing a press conference at his residence in Jammu today.

The former Chief Minister also alleged that, “Especially the institute of the Governor has been misused by General Sinha. As the person who is the master mind behind Malegaon blast and has been arrested and is under detention was Governor''s guest in 2007.” 

Jammu, Nov 16 : Former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir and People''s Democratic Party (PDP) chief Mufti Mohammed Sayeed on Sunday said to resolve Kashmir problem concede something to the people of Kashmir.

Sayeed was addressing a news conference in Jammu today ahead of the seven-phase polling, which will begin from November 17, and end on December 24.

Jammu, Nov 16 : At least 25 people died and several others injured at Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on Sunday when a bridge across river Jhelum collapsed at Bandi about six kilometers from the Line of C

Srinagar, Nov 16 : The Jammu and Kashmir Coordination Committee on Sunday appealed to the people of the State to totally boycott the Assembly polls, first phase of which is going to be held on Monday in 10 constituencies of Bandipora, Ladakh and Poonch districts. 

The meeting of the Committee was held here today and presided over by Mian Abdul Qayoom (President Bar Association).