Polls in Indian-Controlled Kashmir: First Election Since Revocation of Autonomy

Indian-controlled Kashmir (IoK) held the third and final round of polls on Tuesday, marking the first election since the region was brought under New Delhi’s direct control in 2019, Dawn reported today.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government revoked IoK’s partial autonomy, leading to mass arrests and a prolonged communication blackout. Since then, the territory has been governed by a federally appointed governor, with over half a million Indian troops stationed in the area.

Voter turnout was over 55% in the first two rounds, despite historical boycotts by Kashmiri fighters. Local parties are campaigning for the restoration of autonomy, fueled by high unemployment and dissatisfaction with the 2019 changes.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) claims these changes have ushered in peace and economic growth, a perspective contested by local political groups citing severe civil liberties restrictions. The election outcome will not alter the central government’s control, as key governance decisions will remain with Delhi, which holds a parliamentary majority.