Kashmiris in Indian-administered Kashmir are gearing up to vote in local elections for the first time in a decade, following India’s suspension of the state legislature and direct rule over the Muslim-majority region. The elections are set to be held in three phases starting on September 18, with results announced on October 8. The elections have drawn criticism from mainstream Kashmiri parties and opposition parties, who say the government’s actions have disempowered the region’s legislature.
The significance of the local elections is seen as a protest against India’s decision to scrap the region’s limited autonomy in 2019. The main players in the elections are the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, and the ruling Bharitiya Janata Party (BJP). The National Conference has promised to work towards restoring the region’s special status and repealing controversial laws.
There are concerns about gerrymandering affecting the outcome of the elections, with accusations that the BJP is manipulating electoral constituencies on communal lines. The BJP, however, denies these accusations and maintains that independent candidates have a right to run in the elections.
The elections are seen as a symbolic step in the region’s efforts to reclaim autonomy and address longstanding issues such as unemployment and human rights abuses. Experts believe that a successful election and local government will help demonstrate the return of normalcy to the region after controversial changes in 2019. While the elections may not have a significant impact on the functioning of the federally ruled territory, they hold importance as a referendum on Article 370.
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