Kashmir votes in local elections amid heightened security
Shahana Butt
Press TV, Kashmir
Indian-ruled Kashmir heads to the polls for local elections amid beefed-up security. The first electoral process comes after New Delhi stripped the region of its autonomous status last year.
After the abrogation of Kashmir’s special status in August 2019, all electoral processes in the region were suspended and Kashmir came under the direct control of New Delhi.
Also, the role of major pro-India political parties in Kashmir was belittled after New Delhi detained all pro-Indian politicians.
The absence of people’s political participation created a void in Kashmir’s political sphere and raised many questions on New Delhi’s claims of normalcy in the region.
And to break the ice, amid tough security measures, New Delhi is holding local elections in 8 phases ending on December 19. Large number of voters has braved cold weather to vote and each of them has their own reasons.
Election boycott calls in the past by the pro-independence camp of Kashmir were highly supported by the people of Kashmir, but this time they say they want to fight for equality and justice via elections. While voters have their own reasons to cast ballots, candidates have their aims too.
The main contesting parties in this local election are BJP, the Indian national Congress, and an alliance of local political parties.
Amid heightened security, the elections in Indian-ruled Kashmir are being portrayed by many as a step towards normalcy and peace in the region. However, experts say such electoral processes have hardly helped Kashmir in the past, adding that long-lasting peace is only possible when the issue gets permanently resolved between India and Pakistan.
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