Farmane-Ilahi

(Web Desk) - Indian-held Kashmir has endured a violent insurgency for decades and has had a strained relationship with Delhi.

BBC reports that 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.

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, and peace remains fragile.

Since the 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.

PM Modi promotes a "new Kashmir," but locals express dissatisfaction, preferring the old Kashmir.

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