: For Muslims, A Test of Influence in Kashmir Elections

While some things may never change, other things just become clearer. In the 50-year struggle between India and Pakistan over Kashmir, each side has claimed to represent the Kashmiris best interests. Enter the strained local elections, which Pakistan calls “a sham” and India claims is a demonstration of Kashmiri autonomy. While Pakistan disavows anything other than non-violent influence and support, much of the influence Kashmiris experience has come in the form of attacks by local (some say Pak) militants on polling stations and candidates, killing scores of people during the brief campaign period and voting. “We are afraid of every one – militants, the army and the renegades,” said one resident. “This is the reason why the public is not enthusiastic about the elections.” That lack of enthusiasm was reflected in a turnout of between 42 and 47 percent, cited simulataneously as a victory by India (where the unstated inference was approval of Indian rule) and Kashmiri separatists (who claimed a heeding of their call for an election “boycott“). Weary Kashmiris are doubtful that elections will change anything and, accoring to a recent Nielsen poll, don’t want union with Pakistan or India. “What we need is friendship between Pakistan and India, so they can leave the poor Kashmiris alone,” one historian said.

Zahed Amanullah is associate editor of altmuslim.com.  He is based in London, England.