In India's Kashmir, former separatists take struggle to the ballot box (Reuters)

 

In India's Kashmir, former separatists take struggle to the ballot box

Item 1 of 3 Supporters of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, leader of Awami Ittehad Party, attend an election campaign rally in North Kashmir's Kupwara district, September 17, 2024. REUTERS/Sharafat Ali

[1/3]Supporters of Abdul Rashid Sheikh, leader of Awami Ittehad Party, attend an election campaign rally in North Kashmir's Kupwara district, September 17, 2024. REUTERS/Sharafat Ali Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

• Summary

• Ten Kashimri separatists contesting election
• Separatists vow to push for return of semi-autonomy
• India stripped Jammu and Kashmir of semi-autonomy in 2019

SRINAGAR, Sept 17 (Reuters) - When former Kashmiri independence advocate Hafiz Mohammad Sikander Malik filed nomination papers for the Jammu and Kashmir's election starting Wednesday, the first poll since India revoked the region's semi-autonomy, he wore a GPS ankle tracker.

The 37-year-old is out on bail after being jailed in 2019 on what authorities call "terror" charges. He is one of 10 candidates who once advocated for Kashmir's independence from India contesting the local legislature election.