Polling begins in three tribal constituencies of HP

Shimla, Nov 14 (UNI) Polling began on a sedate note in three tribal assembly constituencies of Kinnuar, Lahaul Spiti and Bharmaur in Himachal Pradesh where elections are being held in the first phase today.

The biting cold was preventing the local people from venturing out from their houses to cast their votes and election officials said the voters were coming to the polling booths in a trickle.

Twelve candidates are in the fray for the three tribal seats, elections for which are being held ahead of the remaining 65 assembly constituencies for the first time in the state's history.

In all 1,27,785 voters, including 61,902 women, would exercise their franchise for the three constituencies, while polling for the remaining 65 assembly constituencies would be held in the second phase on December 19.

An election commission official said 298 polling booths, which have been linked with a wireless network, had been set up in the three tribal constituencies out of which 53 had been declared hyper sensitive.

The Kaa polling station in Kinnaur constituency has a minimum number of 20 voters, while the highest polling station of Hikkim was situated at a height of 15,000 feet and had 320 voters.

About 2,000 personnel had been deployed in the three constituencies for ensuring free and peaceful polls.

UNI