Editorial photo #3272378 Politics

Polls Indicate Low Turnout Amid Shutdown In Jammu And Kashmir Municipal Elections

Indian government forces stand guard as Kashmiris enter a polling station to cast their votes during the first phase of municipal polls, on October 8, 2018 in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian administered Kashmir, India. Indian-administered Kashmir shut on the call of pro-independence groups to mark the first phase of municipal polls being held by India in the disputed Himalayan region on Monday. The restive Kashmir valley witnessed just 17.5 polling percentage till 3 pm, officials said. Pro-independence groups had called for a shutdown to mark the polls while pro-India parties like the National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party decided to stay away from the process, citing New Delhis attempts to alter the special status accorded to the region in the Indian constitution. (Photo by Kabli Yawar /Nur Photos) (Photo by Kabli Yawar/NurPhoto)