India announces Kashmir polls after 10-year hiatus
India is set to hold regional elections in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir starting on 18 September. These elections are significant as they are the first in nearly a decade and the first since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government revoked the region's special status in 2019.
The elections will be conducted in three phases, covering 90 constituencies, and will conclude on 1 October, with the results expected to be announced on 4 October. Approximately 8.7 million people, including 4.26 million women, are eligible to vote, according to Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar.
The announcement comes after the Indian Supreme Court upheld the 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which granted Jammu and Kashmir significant autonomy. The region was also reorganized into two federally administered territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Despite the government's promises and the significant infrastructure investments announced by Prime Minister Modi in March, local sentiment remains mixed. The BJP's decision to revoke Kashmir's special status has been deeply unpopular in the region, and political uncertainty had delayed the elections.
Recent parliamentary elections saw a record voter turnout of 58.46% in Kashmir, a notable increase from the 2019 general elections. This higher turnout was seen as a positive sign of voter engagement, with Chief Election Commissioner Kumar highlighting it as a "testament to the will and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir."
The region's long-standing conflict, marked by an armed insurgency since 1989 and ongoing violence, continues to impact its stability. Recent militant attacks, including a deadly assault on Hindu pilgrims in June, have heightened security concerns. The heavy military presence and persistent tensions with Pakistan, which also claims the region, contribute to the ongoing volatility in the area.
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