India elections

political rallies common in general elections this one is different for people in indian-administered Kashmir voting has become a form of protest garlands and sweets for Omar Abdullah a voice for that anger now clearly there is a huge gap between what they claim and what is the reality on the ground what you see is not because of what the BJP did it's in

spite of what the BJP did in the Modi government revoked kashmir's autonomy a guarantee to its own flag Constitution and statehood saying it would bring development to the
region but the Crackdown on any descent against the move was Swift government forces took over there was a complete communication blackout for months hundreds were arrested including a in the shadow of what happened on

the th of August I think has given uh fresh voters young voters uh a new impetus to come out and and make their voices heard not voting for just representation they are voting to protect their [Applause] identity we are not voting for better electricity better roads the crowds that you're seeing now they are out because

they want the restoration of kashmir's special status we are voting for the young people who are in jail just for speaking out so much Injustice has been done to us our rights have been taken away this is why we are here to send Omar as our representative to Parliament without an elected government since Kashmir is ruled directly by the central government curtailing of democratic freedoms common foreign media needs special permission to visit the region and then record

some of our conversation I applied for a permit
months ago I'm still waiting my team is there I rely on them to tell the story from afar enthusiasm for these elections is not widespread many are skeptical we kashmiris feel hopeless because we have no voice speaking to us on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals this man told us he didn't cast even if people are coming out to vote to

oppose the BJP the BJP will say look we have brought democracy to Kashmir whether you vote for BJP or you vote for someone else you are harming the Kashmir movement and it's this bringing of
democracy that the PARTA J party or BJP who doesn't have its own candidate in these elections are championing taking credit for the high turnout despite people casting a ballot against government policies people were suppressed before

during elections controlled by separ controlled by militants controlled by Pakistan now these elections are absolutely controlled by the will of a voter by a will of a Kashmir they have to go out to vote or they don't have to it's their wish elections are the will of the
people integral to a functioning democracy but so is being able to speak freely and without fear a guarantee most

kashmi say not necessarily afforded to them Samir Hussein BBC News New Delhi

political rallies common in general elections this one is different for people in indian-administered Kashmir voting has become a form of protest garlands and sweets for Omar Abdullah a voice for that anger now clearly there is a huge gap between what they claim and what is the reality on the ground what you see is not because of what the BJP did it's in

spite of what the BJP did in 2019 the Modi government revoked kashmir's autonomy a guarantee to its own flag Constitution and statehood saying it would bring development to the region but the Crackdown on any descent against the move was Swift government forces took over there was a complete communication blackout for months hundreds were arrested including a in the shadow of what happened on the 5th of August 2019 I think has given uh fresh voters

young voters uh a new impetus to come out and and make their voices heard not voting for just representation they are voting to protect their [Applause] identity we are not voting for better electricity better roads the crowds that you're seeing now they are out because they want the restoration of kashmir's special status we are voting for the young

people who are in jail just for speaking out so much Injustice has been done to us our rights have been taken away this is why we are here to send Omar as our representative to Parliament without an elected government since 2018 Kashmir is ruled directly by the central government curtailing of democratic freedoms common foreign media needs special permission to visit the region and then record some of our conversation I applied for a permit 2 months ago I'm still

waiting my team is there I rely on them to tell the story from afar enthusiasm for these elections is not widespread many are skeptical we kashmiris feel hopeless because we have no voice speaking to us on the condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals this man told us he didn't cast even if people are coming out to vote to oppose the BJP the BJP will say look

we have brought democracy to Kashmir whether you vote for BJP or you vote for someone else you are harming the Kashmir movement and it's this bringing of democracy that the PARTA J party or BJP who doesn't have its own candidate in these elections are championing taking credit for the high turnout despite people casting a ballot against government policies people were suppressed before during elections controlled by separ controlled by militants

controlled by Pakistan now these elections are absolutely controlled by the will of a voter by a will of a Kashmir they have to go out to vote or they don't have to it's their wish elections are the will of the people integral to a functioning democracy but so is being able to speak freely and without fear a guarantee most kashmi say not necessarily afforded to them Samir Hussein BBC News New Delhi"

• Kashmiri elections serve as a form of protest against Indian-administered Kashmir's loss of autonomy in 2019.
• Despite government claims of development, the reality on the ground reflects a crackdown on dissent and curtailment of democratic freedoms.
• Voters are motivated by the desire to protect Kashmir's special status and restore their rights, rather than seeking better infrastructure or representation.
• The absence of an elected local government since 2018 and direct rule by the central government has led to skepticism and a sense of hopelessness among Kashmiris.
• While some view voting as a means to oppose the BJP, others fear that any participation legitimizes government policies and undermines the Kashmiri movement.