Indian-occupied Kashmir has endured a violent insurgency for decades and has had a strained relationship with Delhi.

The BBC report comes at a time when India-occupied Kashmir voted to elect its first government since New Delhi scrapped the Himalayan territory’s semi-autonomous status, sparking widespread protest in a region wracked by a decades-long insurgency.

The change in 2019 by Hindu-nationalist Modi brought the Muslim-majority territory under New Delhi’s direct control and was accompanied by mass arrests and a long communications blackout.

For the first time in 10 years, local assembly elections are being held in Kashmir, with mixed reactions from the populace—some boycotting, others voting.

Arun Adai Mukherjee, BBC’s India correspondent, reports from the region, highlighting the political atmosphere.

Engineer Rashid, accused in a terror funding case and jailed for five years, is now out on bail and actively campaigning.

Rashid’s political agenda focuses on developmental issues, governance, and resolving the Kashmir issue, resonating with voters who lost statehood and autonomy five years ago.

Key issues in the elections include lack of jobs and rising prices, but the restoration of Kashmiri identity and autonomy remains central.

Previous elections were marred by violence and boycotts, peace remains fragile.

Since 1990s, an armed insurgency against Indian rule has claimed thousands of lives, including civilians and security forces.

India has faced accusations of human rights violations and cracking down on dissent, with critics saying this has intensified in recent years.

Voting in the recent general elections was seen as a form of resistance against these issues.

Despite the elections, real power will remain with the central government in this federally administered region, leaving many skeptical about true change.