Contest pits parties seeking to restore region’s special status against India’s main governing party BJP.
Indian-administered Kashmir is currently conducting a second round of elections to select a regional government. This marks the first local government election since India revoked the semi-autonomous status of the disputed Himalayan territory in 2019. Despite high security measures, Kashmiris turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in the second round.
In the midst of high unemployment and public anger over the 2019 changes, regional parties are vying for the restoration of autonomy, while India’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) argues that the changes have brought about peace and economic growth. The first phase of elections saw a 61 percent voter turnout, with locals expressing hope for better representation in government.
The move to abolish autonomy, implemented by the BJP government, sparked widespread protests in the Muslim-majority region, which has been grappling with a long-standing rebellion. Despite the elections, key decisions will still be made by New Delhi, including security matters and the appointment of Kashmir’s governor.
Overall, the election in Kashmir serves as a battleground between those seeking to regain the region’s special status and the ruling BJP. With foreign diplomats monitoring the vote, the outcome will have implications for the region’s future.
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