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.

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)