The upcoming elections in Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled for September 18, 2024, are being influenced by the significant presence of Indian military forces in the region. Approximately 800,000 Indian troops are currently stationed in the area.
In 2019, the Indian government revoked Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. This move has been criticized for potentially limiting the right to self-determination for Kashmiri residents.
An international report suggests that changes implemented since 2019 are aimed at reshaping the electoral and demographic landscape of the region. The report claims these changes may deprive the area of genuine political representation.
Concerns have been raised about the issuance of domicile certificates to non-local individuals since August 5, 2019, which some fear could alter the Muslim-majority status of the region.
Opposition leaders, currently in detention, have denounced the upcoming elections, describing them as an attempt to legitimize what they term as "New Delhi's illegal occupation."
Critics argue that the BJP-led government is utilizing state machinery to influence the election outcomes. There are also allegations of suppression of dissenting voices in the region.
The presence of Indian forces has raised questions about the exercise of democratic rights, including freedom of expression and press freedom, in the lead-up to the elections.
