The three-phased election process to select a local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir began on Wednesday, marking the first such vote since the region lost its special status five years ago. The election, divided into three phases, aims to choose 24 lawmakers out of 219 candidates in the first phase.
Security measures were heightened with the deployment of additional police and paramilitary forces in the region's seven southern districts, where over 2.3 million residents are eligible to vote. Troops, equipped with riot gear and assault rifles, set up checkpoints and patrolled the constituencies to ensure a peaceful voting process.
The second and third phases of the election are scheduled for September 25 and October 1, with results expected to be announced on October 8. The staggered process allows security forces to maintain order and prevent potential violence.
Access for foreign media to polling stations was restricted, with most international journalists denied press credentials without explanation. Press passes issued by election authorities are mandatory for journalists to cover the voting process.
The election comes after the Indian government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revoked the region's semi-autonomous status in 2019, downgrading it to a federally governed territory. The move divided the former state into two federal territories, Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir, directly ruled by New Delhi.
The election will establish a local government and legislature for Kashmir, allowing for a limited transition of power from New Delhi. However, Kashmir will remain a 'Union Territory,' controlled by the federal government, until its statehood is restored.
Various local parties have campaigned on promises to reverse the 2019 changes and address issues such as unemployment and inflation. India's ruling BJP has pledged to support economic development in the region but opposes undoing the status changes.
Kashmir, claimed in its entirety by both India and Pakistan, has been a site of conflict since militants began fighting against Indian rule in 1989. The region's last assembly election was held in 2014, and past polls have been marred by violence, boycotts, and allegations of rigging.
