Srinagar, Dec 11 (ANI): Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday commended the people of Kashmir for record voter turnout and foiling all attempts by militants to disturb the ongoing poll process. Jammu and Kashmir recorded 58 percent voting in the third phase of elections on December 09, which was nearly six percent higher than the last time. Despite the biting cold and series of militant attacks, polling booths in Kashmir witnessed serpentine queues of residents waiting to cast their votes for a stable and able government. The five-phase elections in 87-member Kashmir assembly began on November 25. In the first two phases the voter turnout was high - more than 70 percent each.The polling will end on December 20 and results will be declared on December 23. Parrikar, who earlier during the day paid tribute to the soldiers who were killed in the militant attacks, lauded the army for tackling tough situations in the war torn valley.