India has ordered elections to take place in Indian Occupied Kashmir after nearly two months of illegally revoking J&K’s special status. The elections held will be for a council government, which is the second tier government under the Panchayati Raj system. The election will last a total of four hours from 9 am to 1 pm on October 24th, a week before IOK and Ladakh will be declared union territories on October 31.
According to India 93% of restrictions in the occupied region have been eased, however this claim is yet to be verified by unbiased news agencies.
Media reports and local officials have also said more than 4,000 people in IOK Kashmir have been arrested, which includes political party leaders and members- therefore, holding an election under such circumstances has come as a shock to many. In regards to the concerns, The Chief Electoral Officer said,
“The Home Department has evaluated the security situation in the state. They have also assured they can provide adequate security for free and fair elections.”