In the Himalayan region of Kashmir, elections are stirring up excitement after decades of tainted affairs. 75-year-old farmer, Bashir Ahmad Thokar, is eager to vote for the first time in nearly 40 years. Following the region’s loss of autonomy in 2019, the upcoming elections mark a significant moment for Kashmiris as they get the chance to select their own representatives for the first time since 2014. The Modi government’s move to strip Kashmir of its statehood and impose control sparked outrage and coercion, leading to a prolonged internet blackout and a surge in security presence. Despite the BJP’s ambitions to dominate the election, there is growing disillusionment on the ground, with concerns over demographic changes and unfulfilled promises of prosperity. Many Kashmiris view the election as a chance to push back against the government’s policies and reclaim their identity. Independent candidates like Abdul Rashid Sheikh are gaining traction, offering a voice for those critical of New Delhi’s approach to Kashmir. As the region braces for a pivotal election, the desires for autonomy and freedom ring loud among the Kashmiri people.
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Kashmir’s First Election Since 2014: Chance to Reject Modi
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