Thousands vote in Kashmir state elections amid boycott call

Published November 25, 2014
An Indian paramilitary soldier asks a Kashmiri voter to join others in a queue as he sits outside a polling station. — Photo by AP
An Indian paramilitary soldier asks a Kashmiri voter to join others in a queue as he sits outside a polling station. — Photo by AP
Young migrant Kashmiri Hindus display the indelible ink mark on their fingers after casting their votes. — Photo by AP
Young migrant Kashmiri Hindus display the indelible ink mark on their fingers after casting their votes. — Photo by AP
Indian paramilitary soldiers guard a polling booth set up for migrant Kashmiris. — Photo by AP
Indian paramilitary soldiers guard a polling booth set up for migrant Kashmiris. — Photo by AP
A polling officer (R) puts an ink mark on the finger of a voter. — Photo by AP
A polling officer (R) puts an ink mark on the finger of a voter. — Photo by AP
Kashmiri men line up to cast their votes.  — Photo by AP
Kashmiri men line up to cast their votes. — Photo by AP
An elderly Kashmiri woman casts her vote at a polling station set up inside a school. — Photo by AP
An elderly Kashmiri woman casts her vote at a polling station set up inside a school. — Photo by AP
Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard beside a highway.  — Photo by AP
Indian paramilitary soldiers stand guard beside a highway. — Photo by AP
An Indian paramilitary soldier asks Kashmiri voters to stand in queue as they wait outside a polling station.  — Photo by AP
An Indian paramilitary soldier asks Kashmiri voters to stand in queue as they wait outside a polling station. — Photo by AP
Kashmiri men stand in queue to cast their votes outside a polling station.  — Photo by AP
Kashmiri men stand in queue to cast their votes outside a polling station. — Photo by AP
Kashmiris stand in queue to cast their votes outside a polling station. — Photo by AP
Kashmiris stand in queue to cast their votes outside a polling station. — Photo by AP
Kashmiri women wait in a queue to cast their votes.  — Photo by AP
Kashmiri women wait in a queue to cast their votes. — Photo by AP

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.

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.