Srinagar, Dec 19 : Campaigning has gained momentum in Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the seventh and last phase of polls, which is scheduled to be held on December 24.

In this phase, polling will be held in 11 assembly segments of Jammu District, two assembly constituencies of Samba district and eight constituencies of Srinagar district.

Senior leaders of different political parties are addressing public rallies to woo the voters in the favour of their candidates.

Over 63 per cent polling was recorded in the sixth phase, which spread in the districts of Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar in Jammu Division and Anantnag and Kulgam districts in Kashmir.

The heavy turnout of voters in the sixth phase has once again proved that people of the Kashmir Valley don''t believe in the politics of separatism.

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.

An estimated 55 per cent of the 14 lakh electorate exercised their franchise in the fourth phase of polling on December 7.

Despite the call by separatists for election boycott, 64 per cent participated in the first phase. At least 65 per cent voting was recorded during the second phase of polling.

In the first four phases, the number of candidates showed a marked increase this time as compared to 2002. In the Kashmir division the number has gone up to more than double.

The results will be declared on December 28. (ANI)