Srinagar, India - Two suspected militants were killed in India's northern Jammu and Kashmir state where the penultimate phase of a staggered local election was held Wednesday.

Security forces killed two commanders of the Islamic militant group Hizbul Mujahideen in Pulwama district, police said, while voting was underway in the adjacent areas of Anantnag and Kulgam.

One of the slain militants, identified as Rais Ahmed, had escaped from police custody in November, while he was being escorted to court.

Election officials said balloting in the sixth phase of the seven-phase elections was peaceful and a voter turnout was about 60 per cent despite snowfall in some areas.

Srinagar, Dec. 17 : With the onset of winter the demand for Hokshuns or, the dry vegetables has picked up in the Kashmir valley

"Hokshuns" are actually indigenously dried and preserved vegetables for daily diet consumed by general Kashmiri families during winters. They include brinjals, gourds, turnips, spinach and even tomatoes produced locally during summers.

In Kashmir, it is a common sight during summer to see vegetables hanging on house-walls for drying for winters.

Srinagar, Dec. 16 : External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Tuesday said that Pakistan must act on the demands made by India with regard to the investigations in last month''s terror attacks on Mumbai, and on the charges levelled by New Delhi thereof, rather than giving mere assurances.

Interacting with reporters here, Mukherjee said: "I have already said this in Parliament. Words (by Pakistan) must be followed up with action."

Srinagar, Dec 15 : Campaigning for the sixth phase of Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir ends this evening.

16 constituencies spread over five districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Anantnag and Kulgam will go to polls in this phase on December 17.

While 10 assembly seats fall the Kashmir valley, six constituencies are in Jammu Division. Leaders of various political parties are criss-crossing the two regions of the state to address rallies in support of their party candidates.

The seventh phase of polls will be held on December 24.

Approximately 57 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the fifth phase on Saturday. Polling took place in eleven constituencies in the districts of Kathua, Shopian and Pulwama.

Srinagar, Dec 14 : Campaigning is hard for the sixth phase of Assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir.

In this phase, polling will be held on December 17 in ten constituencies of Anantnag and Kulgam districts.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh is scheduled to address a rally in Shangas, Anantnag today.

Monday is the last day for campaigning.

The seventh phase of polls will be held on December 24.

Approximately 57 per cent voters exercised their franchise in the fifth phase on Saturday. Polling took place in eleven constituencies in the districts of Kathua, Shopian and Pulwama.

Srinagar, Kashmir - Provincial elections in India-administered Kashmir were marred by violence on Saturday as police opened fire at an anti-poll demonstration, killing a protestor and wounding 20.

Hundreds of people came out on the streets in the Pulwama district, 28 kilometres south of the main city Srinagar, where polling was being held for the fifth phase of the state assembly elections.

"One person died in the firing as the police tried to control the mob which was shouting slogans against Indian rule," a local police official said requesting anonymity.

"Seven out of the 20 injured are serious and have been rushed for medical treatment at hospitals nearby," he added.