SRINAGAR (Dunya News) – The first phase of elections has been completed under strict security measures in the occupied Kashmir.
Elections in occupied Kashmir are being held under heavy security, with the first phase concluding on September 18 amidst oppression.
Human rights organizations, including Amnesty International (AI), have expressed concerns over the tactics used by the Indian government, noting that granting extensive powers to the Lieutenant Governor equates to stripping away the freedoms of the Kashmiri people.
Amnesty International condemned the prolonged detention of Kashmiri leaders by Indian authorities and criticised them for using measures such as travel restrictions and detentions.
Earlier, the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir voiced dissatisfaction over seat allocation and voting arrangements during the elections in the disputed region.
The Supreme Court of India upheld the abrogation of Article 370 and ordered elections in occupied Jammu and Kashmir in December 2023. Before the elections, the Modi government further reduced the state's autonomy.