India-occupied Kashmir voted on Wednesday to elect its first government since New Delhi scrapped the Himalayan territory’s semi-autonomous status, sparking widespread protest in a region wracked by a decades-long insurgency.

The change in 2019 by Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought the Muslim-majority territory under New Delhi’s direct control and was accompanied by mass arrests and a long communications blackout.

Since then the territory has been without an elected government, ruled instead by a federally appointed governor.

Soldiers carrying rifles stood watch outside polling stations in main city Srinagar on Wednesday morning as dozens of voters queued in the sun.

“We want to have a representative who will take our grievances forward,” said Abdul Rahim, 52, after casting his vote.

He added, “Our children are locked up and we are suffering. They (the government) abrogated Article 370 (which granted Kashmir its special status) so we don’t have any representatives who can question their moves.”

More than 24 per cent of voters had cast their ballots between 7 am (0130 GMT) when the polls opened, and 11 am, the region’s chief electoral officer said.

Turnout is expected to be high unlike in past elections.

Polling in the first stage of the three-phased election — staggered due to security challenges — was held on September 18 when 61 per cent of voters cast their ballots.

Foreign diplomats were invited into Kashmir to observe the polls. Foreign journalists require special permission to visit the region, which is not normally forthcoming.

About 500,000 Indian troops are deployed in the region where a 35-year insurgency has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of civilians, soldiers and fighters, including dozens this year.

Frustrations

A high unemployment rate and anger at the 2019 changes have animated campaigning and regional parties have promised to fight for restoration of autonomy.

Key decisions will remain in New Delhi’s hands, however, including security and appointing Kashmir’s governor.

Delhi will also have the power to override legislation passed by the 90-seat assembly.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) says the changes to the territory’s governance have delivered a new era of peace to Kashmir and rapid economic growth, claims the regional parties vehemently dismiss.

Critics have accused Modi’s BJP of encouraging a surge of independent candidates in Muslim-majority areas to split the vote.

While the BJP has fielded candidates in all the constituencies of Hindu-majority Jammu, it is fighting only from about a third of the seats in the Kashmir valley.

“Since the last election ten years ago we were left at the mercy of God,” said Tariq Ahmed, 40 after casting his vote.

He added, “I am happy this election is happening. I hope we get our own representative with whom poor people like myself can raise everyday issues.” The last round of voting will be held on October 1 with results expected a week later.