Srinagar, India  - Elections to vote in a new legislative assembly began Monday in the northern Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir under tight security in view of a boycott call by separatist political parties and threats by militants.

Thousands of Indian Army troops and police provided security for voters in the 10 constituencies where the first of the seven-phase staggered elections are being held.

People were turning out in the early morning to cast their votes in small numbers, braving chilly weather in the Himalayan region, IANS news agency reported.

Election officials were quoted as saying that they expected the turnout to increase later in the day.

Srinagar, Nov 15: After 61 years, a polo-match was recently held in Srinagar.

Polo was last played in Kashmir during the British period at the historic polo ground in Srinagar.

A friendly match was organised by the Jammu and Kahmir Tourism Department for promoting the game. The contesting teams were Kashmir Reds and Kashmir Blues.

Players of Drass Polo Club represented Kashmir Reds while the Polo Club of Leh played as Kashmir Blues. Kashmir blues won the game.

Srinagar, Nov 14 : Heavy snowfall blocked traffic on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway on Friday as Kashmir valley received the first snowfall of the season.

The strategic 300-kilometre-long National Highway 1-A is the valley''s juglar vein connecting Indian Kashmir with rest of the country.

A large number of vehicles, mostly trucks and lorries carrying essential supplies and fruit in and out of the valley are stranded in various sections of the highway.

Srinagar, Nov 13 : After initial euphoria fruit growers in Jammu and Kashmir are disillusioned with the recently initiated trade across the Line of Control (LOC) with Pakistan administered Kashmir.

The disenchanted traders cite lack of proper communication and payment as the reasons behind their decision to suspended sending their fruits across the LoC.

“The goods we used to send to Muzzafrabad have been stopped, it is now sent to Delhi. There is no proper information for the process,” said Nisar Ahmed, a fruit grower.

Srinagar, Nov 13 : Supporters of the National Conference and the Congress parties clashed in Srinagar on Thursday.

The clashes occurred during the National Conference President Omar Abdullah''s election road show in Ganderbal constituency.

Security personnel resorted to tear gas shells to disperse the clashing supporters of both the parties.

Srinagar, Nov. 11 : Of the various Kashmiri delicacies that are widely popular, Khasta Shangram holds its own place. It is one of the traditional dishes of Kashmir.

Known for its distinct taste, Khasta Shangram tastes crispy, tasty and sweet. It is relished by almost every Kashmiri. Though it is used throughout the year, it is particularly distributed during wedding or festive occasions in Kashmir.

Though the delicacy has been known for ages here, it is not easy to prepare. It is said that not many people can prepare Khasta Shangram at home.