Residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir voted in the second phase of a local government election under tight security on Wednesday. This is the first election since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked the region’s semi-autonomy in 2019.
Many voters, like Mehraj Ud Din Malik from Srinagar, are prioritizing the restoration of the region’s semi-autonomy and statehood. The region was downgraded and split into Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir, both directly ruled by New Delhi.
About 2.6 million residents were eligible to vote in the second phase, with a 55 percent turnout. This follows a 59 percent turnout in the first phase on September 18, with no reported incidents.
Separatists in Kashmir are participating in the election, a departure from past boycotts. Most parties are campaigning to reverse the 2019 changes and address key issues like unemployment.
The BJP supports the 2019 changes and economic development in the region. The third phase of voting is scheduled for October 1, with results expected on October 8.
Foreign media access to polling stations has been limited, with foreign journalists denied press credentials. The Indian External Affairs Ministry escorted foreign diplomats to voting districts on Wednesday.
Omar Abdullah criticized the visit, calling the diplomats “guided tourists.” He questioned the lack of access for foreign journalists.
India and Pakistan both claim Kashmir in its entirety. Militants in Indian-controlled Kashmir have been fighting against New Delhi’s rule since 1989.
The election will give Kashmir its own government structure but will remain a “Union Territory” directly controlled by the federal government until statehood is restored.