Kashmir Votes in Second Phase of Historic Local Elections

This marks the first election in a decade and the first since the revocation of the region's semi-autonomous status in 2019.

Approximately 2.6 million residents are eligible to vote in the second phase, deciding 26 assembly seats across six districts.
The voter turnout reached 54.11% by 7 PM, with higher participation in Jammu compared to Kashmir Valley.
Key issues for voters include unemployment, inflation, and the restoration of the region's semi-autonomy and statehood.
For the first time in decades, separatist groups are not boycotting the election, with some activists running as independent candidates.
A delegation of 15 foreign diplomats observed the polling process, a move criticized by local leaders as contradictory to India's stance on foreign interference.