Kashmiris Thursday gave a low turnout in the polling of the third phase of Indian general elections in the Anantnag constituency with a Muslim majority.

The region's Chief Election officer, B.R. Sharma told media on Thursday evening that a 26 percent turnout was recorded according to preliminary reports.

Anantnag constituency was the first to go for polls in Kashmir Valley, where anti-India sentiment runs deep.

Hardliner Muslim separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani, now under house arrest, hailed people for "abiding with the boycott call".

The voting took place amid heavy security arrangements and restrictions in the area.

In the 2008 regional elections in the region, a 60 percent turnout was recorded despite the boycott call from separatists.

Jammu and Udhampur constituencies of Jammu province of India- controlled Kashmir went to polls in first and second phase of the Indian general elections.
The two constituencies also recorded less than 50 per cent turnout.