India-occupied Kashmir (IoK) is currently voting in its final round of polls to elect its first government since losing its partial autonomy in 2019. With over half a million Indian troops stationed around IoK, the region is under heavy security as residents cast their votes amidst promises from local parties to fight for autonomy restoration. The campaign has been fueled by high unemployment rates and resentment towards the governance changes imposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.
While the BJP claims the changes have brought peace and economic growth to IoK, local political parties argue that civil liberties have been severely restricted. The territory is divided between the Muslim-majority Kashmir Valley and the Hindu-majority Jammu district, with the BJP contesting only a portion of the seats. Despite the election results, the ultimate decisions regarding IoK’s governance will still lie in the hands of Delhi, where Modi’s government can override any legislation passed by the assembly.
Stay tuned for the election results on October 8th as IoK navigates its political future under the watchful eye of New Delhi.