Thousands of Kashmiris cast votes in state elections despite a boycott call by Muslim separatist groups who reject India's claim over the disputed Himalayan region. The five phased voting is scheduled to be held until December 20 with the results expected on December 23. The multistage voting will elect a local government — a chief minister who will serve as the state's top official and a council of ministers — from the pro-India parties participating in the elections.