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 17 : Polling for the sixth phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir began this morning.

Voting is being held in sixteen constituencies spread over five districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Anantnag and Kulgam. While 10 assembly seats fall the Kashmir valley, six constituencies are in Jammu Division.

More than 11.65 lakh voters, including over 5.62 lakh women, will exercise their franchise. 1,268 polling booths have been set up for the purpose.

The fate of 271 candidates, including 11 women, will be decided in this phase.

Jammu, Dec. 17 : The extended polls in Jammu and Kashmir being held in seven phases has given hoteliers and guest house owners a big reason to smile in the picturesque town of Bhaderwah.

The reason being that the hotel industry had suffered a major slump following the Amarnath land row issue.

Now, during election time, hotels and guest houses are said to be in great demand.

Bhaderwah is also known as Chota Kashmir (Little Kashmir) because of its scenic beauty and snow-clad mountains.

Jammu, Dec. 16 : The sixth phase of elections, for which polling is being held tomorrow, has two former chief ministers of the state in fray, besides a number of ex-ministers and legislators.

Sixteen Assembly constituencies in five districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban will vote in the penultimate phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections on Wednesday.

Srinagar, Dec 16 : Elaborate arrangements have been made to ensure that the sixth phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are held in a free and fair manner on Wednesday.

Sixteen constituencies spread over five districts of Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Anantnag and Kulgam will go to polls in this phase. While 10 assembly seats fall the Kashmir valley, six constituencies are in Jammu Division.

More than 11.65 lakh voters, including over 5.62 lakh women, will exercise their franchise. 1,268 polling booths have been set up for the purpose.

Two-hundred additional companies of security forces and nearly 100 companies of local police have been deployed in poll-bound areas.