Guwahati, Jan 9: Polling for the third phase of Panchayat election in Assam has begun this morning, amidst tight security.

The polling is underway in the districts of Dhubri, Bongaigaon, Barpeta, Nalbari, Nagaon, Cachar, Hailakandi, Karimganj and parts of Morigaon.

Around 43 lakh voters are expected to decide the fate of 9,545 candidates for Zilla Parishads, Anchalik Parishads and Gaon Panchayats. Over 28,000 candidates are in the fray.

Tight security arrangements have been made in all the 7,480 polling centres to ensure free and fair elections.

Around 15 companies of para-military forces have been deployed in the most vulnerable areas of Nagaon, Barpeta, Nalbari and three districts of the Barak Valley.

Army has been called in to monitor the security in the bordering areas of the Barak Valley districts.

Around 70 per cent of the voters exercised their franchise in the first phase of the polls on December 31 while around 72 per cent cast their votes in the second phase on January 4.

The final phase of polling in 14 Zilla Parishad and 75 Gaon Panchayat Constituencies in Darrang district will take place on January 24.

Counting of votes will be held on January 28. (ANI)