Protests and boycott impact Kashmir election

Polling in Muzaffarabad, capital of Pakistan-administered Kashmir, commenced under heavy security amid ongoing unrest and a boycott from the Jammu Kashmir Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC). Protests demanding the abolition of reserved legislative seats for displaced Kashmiris have led to over 50 deaths, with authorities cracking down on demonstrators. Many residents expressed disillusionment with the political establishment, viewing the elections as illegitimate due to the violence and lack of accountability for civilian casualties.

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