The elections in Indian-administered Kashmir, the first in a decade since losing its semi-autonomy, reflect a central government strategy to re-establish local governance amidst security concerns.
Polls opened amidst heavy security, as over 2.3 million eligible voters faced a tense atmosphere with approximately 500,000 Indian troops deployed, underscoring the region's ongoing turmoil.
The voting process seeks to bridge the political gap in Kashmir post-2019, reflecting local desires for governance while still operating under the restrictions of direct central control.
With the region's special status removed, these elections will reinstate limited self-governance, but Kashmir will continue to be governed as a 'Union Territory' by New Delhi.
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