IIOJK votes in local elections

SRINAGAR:

Indian-Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir voted on Wednesday in the first local elections since the cancellation of its special semi-autonomous status.

Many in the disputed Muslim-majority territory of 8.7 million registered voters remain bitter over the 2019 order by the Hindu-nationalist government of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to impose control from New Delhi.

Voters queued under heavy security in the three-phased election, which is being staggered geographically due to security arrangements and logistical challenges in the mountainous region.

Vigorous election campaigns featured unusually open debates but key decisions will remain in New Delhi's hands, including security and appointing Kashmir's governor.

Delhi will also have the power to override legislation passed by the 90-seat assembly.

The last round of voting will be held on October 2. Results are expected six days later. The territory, officially titled Jammu and Kashmir, is split.

Some of the worst violence this year has been in Jammu, where Modi campaigned for votes on Saturday.