In Jammu and Kashmir, the 8th phase of Panchayat elections in seven blocks of Jammu and Kashmir Divisions is going on smoothly amid tight security arrangements. The polling began at 8 a. m and is progressing in three blocks of Jammu Division and four blocks of Kashmir division. About 51 per cent polling was reported till 12.15 p.m. in Barnoti block of the Kathua district. AIR, Jammu Correspondent who visited the Sunderbani block of border district of Rajouri reports that voters including women were seen standing in long queues right from the early morning to cast their votes and about 55 per cent polling was recorded by noon . In Akhnoor block of Jammu district , over 50% polling was reported till noon. So far polling in all the three blocks of Jammu Division is reported to be peaceful with no untoward incident having taken place anywhere. The four blocks which went to poll in the Kashmir Valley today include Trehgam block in district Kupwara, Rafiabad in Baramulla, B K Pora in Budgam district and Shahabad in district Anantnag. The breakaway Hurriyat Conference (HC) and some other separatists organisation have appealed people to boycott the polls but despite all these boycott calls , over 80% polling has been recorded in the seven phases of Panchayat polls held so far in the State.