Historic Provincial Election Unfolds in Jammu and Kashmir After a Decade

Voters in Jammu and Kashmir are casting their ballots in the first provincial election in a decade. The region, marked by years of militant violence, is holding a three-phase election to fill 90 legislative seats. The election follows the revocation of the special status of the territory in 2019.

Voters lined up outside polling stations across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday, marking the first provincial election in a decade in this tumultuous region.

With nine million registered voters, the election will fill 90 legislative seats, with results expected on Oct. 8. For many like 23-year-old Mohammad Asim Bhat, voting signifies a long-awaited return to democratic participation.

Jammu and Kashmir, India's only Muslim-majority territory, has faced disputes with Pakistan since 1947 and saw its special status revoked by the Indian government in 2019. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration claims the move restored normalcy and spurred development. However, voter turnout in the past has been low due to militant threats. This year's election involves regional parties focusing on special status, Congress and a regional group alliance, and BJP's development and anti-militancy platform.

While the newly elected legislative assembly will oversee local governance, the restoration of special status remains under federal jurisdiction.

(With inputs from agencies.)