As many as 55 percent voters exercised their franchise in the fourth phase of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Sunday.

Stray incidents of violence were reported from some areas of 18 assembly segments in four districts that went to poll in the fourth phase.

The voting was spread over Baramulla, Udhampur, Budgam and Reasi districts.

Minutes after the start of polling in Baramulla district, militants exploded a hand grenade on Sopore- Sangrama road but there was no report of loss of life or damage to property.

Security personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the local police were deployed in strength to ensure peaceful polling. The state assembly has 87 seats.

Braving the winter chill and cocking a snook at the separatists, the electorate in 12 seats in Kashmir valley and six in Jammu region followed the trend of enthusiastic turnout in the previous three phases when there was over 60 per cent voting.