Many in Indian-controlled Kashmir plan to vote this time to deny Modi total control

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — For decades, boycotting elections in Indian-controlled Kashmir was a sign of protest against Indian rule.

That may change on Wednesday, when many residents of the Muslim-majority region say they’re willing to use their vote in a local election to deny Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s party the power to form an administration in the disputed region.

The vote is the first in a decade, and the first since Modi’s Hindu nationalist government in 2019 scrapped the region’s special status and downgraded the former state to a federally governed territory. The move — which largely resonated in India and among Modi supporters — was mostly opposed in Kashmir as an assault on its identity and autonomy.

“Boycotts will not work in this election,” said Abdul Rashid, a resident in southern Kashmir’s Shangus village. “There is a desperate need to end the onslaught of changes coming from there (India).”

https://apnews.com/article/kashmir-election-india-pakistan-conflict-4493b9cd496de1aadf1cddcb6194043d

[kansasobama]

1. Avoiding the prosperous sections is not a good idea

It sounds like our South, heavily GOP and conservative, fighting progress on science, climate change and so on. Kashmir should open arms with rest of India. Yes, there are differences but work within.

Do not be like MAGA who are out be not part of the larger democracy.

[Lulu KC]

2. It's a long and brutal history

I wouldn't dare try to tell Kashmir what it should do about anything.

[kansasobama]

3. Parents there should get out of this cycle

Kids want to study, work. Let them. I know it is hard but move into the future.

They should also say- We are not going back.

[Lulu KC]

4. Have you read anything about the history of this place?

It sounds like you are looking at it through an American lens. This is a different world. It is an amazing place that has been conquered repeatedly for centuries. You might find it interesting to learn more about it.

[kansasobama]

5. I know about the region

What you say is true but it is time for them to get past this. I am saying it for the sake of hope and for the next generation. Heavy focus on education would do a lot of good.