10th phase of Panchyat polls on Saturday

Srinagar: All arrangements have been finalized for the tenth round of the multi phased polls in eleven blocks of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday. In Kashmir Valley, five blocks going to polls include Teetwal in frontier Kupwara district, Pattan in Baramulla, Hajin in Bandipora, Keller (Main Block) in Pulwama and Dachnipora in Anantnag district of south Kashmir. In Jammu region, Inderwal block of district Kishtwar, Assar and Thathri in Doda, Banihal in Ramban Khour in Jammu and Balakote in Poonch district will also vote under the tenth phase.The polling will start at 08 am and conclude on 1400 while counting of votes will take place at 1500 hours. Correspondent from Baramulla said that 324 candidates are in fray for Panch and Sarpanch posts in Pattan block.   In Hajin Blocks, 45113 including 21558 women voters are eligible to cost their votes to elect 230 punches and 28 Sarpunches. Official sources said that elaborate security arrangements have been made to prevent any violence during the election process.   So far nine phases of the polls have been completed after beginning on April 13 last. The eleventh phase will be held on May 25, 12th phase will be held on May 29 while 13th to sixteen rounds are scheduled for June 2, June 6, June 11 and June 18 respectively.Panchayat polls are being held through ballot boxes as the State Panchayat Raj Act does not allow the use of Electronic Voting Machine (EVMs) in the polls. The polls are being conducted after ten years gap in the state.