Voting has commenced in Indian-administered Kashmir for the first local elections since the revocation of its special semi-autonomous status by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in 2019. The elections are taking place in three phases, with the first phase covering 24 assembly constituencies across seven districts, allowing over 2.3 million eligible voters to participate. Heavy security measures were implemented, with thousands of police and paramilitary personnel deployed to manage potential unrest amid ongoing tensions in the region. The election is significant for many Kashmiris, who view it as an opportunity to reclaim their democratic rights after years of centralized control. However, restrictions on foreign media access to polling stations have raised concerns about transparency. The results are expected to be announced on October 8, marking a crucial moment in the political landscape of the disputed territory.