Monday, April 24 2006 11:13 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Baramulla (J&K): The by-elections to Rafiabad, Pattan, Sangrama and Bhaderwah assembly constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir began this morning amidst tight security arrangements.

Long queues of voters were seen outside the polling booths even before the voting started at 8 a.m., except in a few areas of Pattan town and Sangrama where response was not enthusiastic, sources said.

Tight security arrangements have been made at all the 376 polling booths across the four constituencies where nearly three lakh voters would decide the electoral fate of 17 candidates, including Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad seeking a maiden entry to the state legislature from Bhaderwah constituency in Jammu region.