Three people were killed when security forces opened fire on mobs attacking polling stations and poll personnel in Budgam district where by-election for the Srinagar-Budgam parliamentary seat is being held on Sunday.

While two died in firing at Dalwan village of Charar-e-Sharif assembly segment in Budgam, another died in Beerwah in the same district.

The security forces' firing came after a violent mob attacked the polling station at Dalwan village and damaged EVMs and prevented voters from exercising their franchise.

"Security forces opened fire to protect the polling staff," police said.

Mobs also torched a bus and damaged EVMs at a polling station in Beerwah and elsewhere in Budgam, police said.

The voting turnout was a poor 5 per cent till noon after polling started at 7 a.m in Budgam, Srinagar and Ganderbal districts.

At least 2,61,397 voters are eligible to cast vote in the Srinagar-Budgam seat where 1,559 polling stations have been set up.

Nine candidates, including National Conference president Farooq Abdullah, are in the fray for the seat.