Indian-administered Kashmir voted on Wednesday to elect its first government since New Delhi scrapped the Himalayan territory’s semi-autonomous status, sparking widespread protest in a region wracked by a decades-long insurgency.
The change in 2019 by Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the Muslim-majority territory under New Delhi’s direct control and was accompanied by mass arrests and a long communications blackout.
Since then the territory has been without an elected government, ruled instead by a federally appointed governor.
Just over 56 percent of eligible voters cast a ballot in the second round of voting on Wednesday, chief electoral officer P.K. Pole said after polls closed.
In the first stage of the three-phased election — staggered due to security challenges — 61 percent of those eligible voted.
The vote took place amid high security, with soldiers carrying rifles on watch outside polling stations in main city Srinagar and in rural districts.
“We want to have a representative who will take our grievances forward,” said Abdul Rahim, 52, after casting his vote.
“Our children are locked up and we are suffering. They (the government) abrogated Article 370 (which granted Kashmir its special status) so we don’t have any representatives who can question their moves.”
In past elections separatists opposed to Indian rule boycotted polls, demanding the independence of Kashmir or its merger with neighbouring Pakistan.
Islamabad controls a smaller portion of the mountainous territory, divided since the end of British colonial rule in 1947, and like India claims it in full.
Foreign diplomats were invited into Kashmir to observe the polls for the first time.
Omar Abdullah, whose National Conference party is campaigning for the restoration of Kashmir’s special status, criticised the invitations.
“When these people [foreign diplomats] comment about Jammu and Kashmir the government of India retorts by saying ‘it’s our internal matter.'”
“If you [the central government] don’t want their interference or comments, then why are they being brought here,” he told reporters after voting.
Foreign journalists require special permission to visit the region, which is not normally forthcoming.
About 500,000 Indian troops are deployed in the region, where a 35-year insurgency has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers and rebels, including dozens this year.
Frustrations
A high unemployment rate and anger at the 2019 changes have animated campaigning, and regional parties have promised to fight for restoration of autonomy.
Key decisions will remain in New Delhi’s hands, however, including security and appointing Kashmir’s governor.
Delhi will also have the power to override legislation passed by the 90-seat assembly.
Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) says the changes to the territory’s governance have delivered a new era of peace to Kashmir and rapid economic growth, claims the regional parties vehemently dismiss.
Critics have accused Modi’s BJP of encouraging a surge of independent candidates in Muslim-majority areas to split the vote.
While the BJP has fielded candidates in all the constituencies of Hindu-majority Jammu, it is fighting only from about a third of the seats in the Kashmir valley.
“Since the last election 10 years ago we were left at the mercy of God,” said Tariq Ahmed, 40, after casting his vote.
“I am happy this election is happening. I hope we get our own representative with whom poor people like myself can raise everyday issues.”
The last round of voting will be held on October 1, with results expected a week later.
