Brisk voting for local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir for first time after losing autonomy

Associated Press

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — The first leg of a phased election for choosing a local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir has concluded in the first such vote since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government stripped the disputed region of its special status five years ago. Authorities had deployed thousands of additional police and paramilitary soldiers for security in the seven southern districts of the region, which has been roiled by an insurgency against Indian rule for decades. Over 2.3 million residents are eligible to cast their votes to choose 24 lawmakers out of 219 candidates in the first phase of the election. The second and third phases will be held later. Votes will be counted and results released on Oct. 8.