Voting on for second phase of Himachal panchayat polls

Shimla, Jan 1 Voting began on Friday for the second phase of Himachal Pradesh panchayat elections amid tight security.

The polling, which began at 7 a.m., is taking place for the election of Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs), representatives of 732 panchayats, State Election Commissioner T.G. Negi told IANS here.

Police and home guard personnel were deployed to maintain law and order.

The counting of the votes for gram panchayat elections would start soon after the polling ends at 3 p.m., while the counting of votes for panchayat samitis and zila parishad would be held on January 7.

In the first phase, the panchayat polls were conducted in tribal areas of Lahaul and Spiti and Chamba districts on November 26.

The third and the last phase will be held on January 3 and 5, respectively.