Elections will be held in IIOJK five years after Modi ended its autonomy.

For the first time in five years, voters in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) will head to the polls on September 18, marking a significant moment in the region’s recent history. Nearly nine million voters are expected to cast their ballots in what will be the first election since the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revoked the region’s semi-autonomous status in August 2019.

The upcoming election in IIOJK is a momentous event, as it will be the first time that the region’s residents will have the opportunity to vote since the controversial decision to revoke Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. This article had granted Jammu and Kashmir a special status, allowing it to have its own constitution, a separate flag, and autonomy over internal matters except for defense, communications, and foreign affairs.

The revocation of Article 370 in 2019 was met with widespread protests and condemnation, both within the region and internationally. The decision was followed by a heavy security crackdown, mass detentions, and a communication blackout that lasted several months. The region was also bifurcated into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh—directly governed by New Delhi. The move was seen by many as an attempt to integrate the Muslim-majority region more tightly into India, a strategy that has been met with significant resistance from the local population.

In the years since, the region has experienced heightened tensions, with frequent clashes between Indian security forces and local militants, as well as civil unrest. The absence of a local government has also left many residents feeling disenfranchised, as they have had little say in the governance of their region. The upcoming election, therefore, is being closely watched as it represents a potential turning point for the region.

The election process itself is likely to be fraught with challenges. Security concerns remain high, with the Indian government expected to deploy additional troops to ensure that the election proceeds smoothly. There is also a significant level of distrust among the local population, many of whom view the election as a means for the Indian government to legitimize its control over the region.

Moreover, there are concerns about voter turnout. The region has seen a significant decline in voter participation in recent years, with many residents choosing to boycott elections as a form of protest against Indian rule. The upcoming election will be a test of whether the government can win back the trust of the local population and encourage them to participate in the democratic process.

Political parties in the region are also facing a challenging environment. Many of the region’s traditional political leaders were detained in the wake of the 2019 decision, and while some have since been released, the political landscape has been significantly altered. New political alliances have formed, and the election is likely to be a battleground for competing visions of the region’s future.

The election will also be a test for the Indian government, which has repeatedly stated that the revocation of Article 370 was necessary to bring stability and development to the region. Critics, however, argue that the government’s actions have only deepened the region’s problems, and the election will be an opportunity for the people of IIOJK to express their views on the matter.

International observers will also be watching the election closely. The situation in IIOJK has been a point of contention between India and Pakistan, both of which claim the region in its entirety. The international community has expressed concern over human rights violations in the region, and the upcoming election will be seen as a measure of the Indian government’s commitment to democratic principles in the region.

As nearly nine million voters prepare to cast their ballots on September 18, the election in IIOJK represents more than just a return to the electoral process—it is a significant moment in the ongoing struggle for the region’s future. Whether it will lead to greater stability and democratic governance remains to be seen, but it is clear that the outcome will have far-reaching implications for the region and beyond.