India has unveiled a significant step towards restoring democratic processes by announcing regional elections in the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir, set to commence on 18 September. This marks the first electoral exercise in nearly a decade since the central government’s controversial revocation of the region’s special status in 2019.
The elections, taking place in three phases across 90 constituencies, will conclude on 1 October, with results expected to be announced on 4 October. Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar confirmed that approximately 8.7 million residents, including over 4.26 million women, are eligible to participate in the voting process.
Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir are typically held every five years, but political instability has postponed the process significantly. Kumar stated, “After a prolonged hiatus, elections are finally forthcoming in Jammu and Kashmir,” emphasizing the importance of this electoral milestone during a press conference.
Highlighting the previous parliamentary elections, where voter turnout soared to 58.46%—a 30-point increase from the 2019 general elections—Kumar remarked that Jammu and Kashmir has opted for “ballot over bullet.”
In the wake of this announcement, the election commission noted the long queues during the recent general elections as a clear indication of the public’s desire to determine their own future.
This important development follows a ruling by India’s Supreme Court, which upheld the government’s decision to abolish Article 370 of the constitution, reaffirming that elections must be conducted by 30 September. The political landscape shifted significantly when Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into two federally administered territories—Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir—following the revocation of its special status.
The BJP, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had campaigned on the promise of removing Kashmir’s special status, but this decision has reportedly diminished the party’s popularity in the local context.
During a visit to Kashmir earlier this year, Modi pledged to “win your hearts” and announced developmental projects worth 64 billion rupees ($774 million) aimed at enhancing local agriculture and tourism, though local sentiment suggests lingering discontent towards the BJP.
The historically contested Himalayan region has remained a flashpoint since the independence of India and Pakistan in 1947, with both nations asserting claims over the territory. Over the years, they have engaged in multiple conflicts regarding it.
The rise of an armed insurgency in the region since 1989 has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, necessitating a robust military presence.
Delhi has consistently accused Pakistan of supporting militant groups to disrupt stability, a claim that Islamabad refutes.
Recently, the region has witnessed a troubling rise in violence, particularly with militants operating in the relatively peaceful Jammu area. A deadly attack in June claimed the lives of nine Hindu pilgrims and injured many more, raising alarm over the security situation.
