Residents in Indian-controlled Kashmir began casting votes in the second phase of a staggered election for a local government under elaborate security measures. This election marks the first time in decades that separatists have not boycotted the polls. The region's semi-autonomy and statehood, which were revoked by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in 2019, are key issues for voters.
The former state of Jammu-Kashmir was downgraded and divided into two centrally governed union territories, Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir, directly ruled by New Delhi. The region has faced restrictions on civil liberties and media freedom since then.
