SRINAGAR, India — The first phase of local council elections ended Monday in Indian-controlled Kashmir amid tight security and a separatist-sponsored shutdown. Authorities deployed tens of thousands of additional soldiers in the already highly militarized region for the elections, which are being held in four phases. Voter turnout was slightly over 8 per cent in Muslim-dominated areas of the Kashmir valley, the heartland of anti-India dissent. Village council elections will be held separately in November. Anti-India sentiment runs deep in Kashmir’s mostly Muslim population and most people support the rebels’ cause against Indian rule.

Source: National Post October 08, 2018 07:46 UTC