Modi campaigns in Kashmir for local elections amid tight security

On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned in Srinagar, the main city of Indian-controlled Kashmir, for local elections. This marks the first local vote since the Indian government revoked the region's semi-autonomous status in 2019, a move that has faced significant opposition from the local population. The election process is staggered to ensure security and manage potential violence, with voting having commenced on Wednesday. The results are expected to be announced on October 8. Modi's visit comes amid heightened security measures, including roadblocks and armed patrols, reflecting the tense atmosphere in the region. His Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aims to reassure voters by promising to restore statehood to Kashmir, a commitment Modi reiterated during his rally. The BJP's campaign is set against a backdrop of long-standing conflict in the region, which has seen decades of anti-India sentiment and violence. The political landscape in Kashmir has been significantly altered since 2019, with pro-India parties vowing to reverse the changes made by the central government. The local elections are seen as a critical test for these parties, as they seek to regain influence and address the grievances of the Kashmiri people. Modi's previous rally in Doda district last week also aimed to bolster support for BJP candidates. The ongoing insurgency in Kashmir, which began in 1989, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, with many local Muslims supporting the rebels' aspirations for either independence or unification with Pakistan. The elections are a pivotal moment for the region, as they may shape the future political dynamics and the relationship between the local populace and the Indian government.