Indian Kashmiris vote in shadow of fear

SRINAGAR - Indian Kashmiris began voting for a new state Assembly yesterday in the shadow of violence and fear, with separatist rebels vowing to derail a poll India hopes will offer a ringing endorsement of its rule.

An Indian policeman was killed when suspected Islamic militants fired on two polling stations, hours before voting began at 7am (1.30pm NZ time). Guerrillas staged a pre-dawn attack on a polling station at a school in the Poonch district.

Suspected rebels also attacked a polling station in Rajouri district with a rocket before voting began but there were no casualties.

Earlier, Indian forces killed nine suspected Islamic militants.

Voters were frisked before entering polling booths in the cold, late-autumn morning, on the first of four voting days between now and October 8 in the Himalayan region at the centre of a military standoff between India and Pakistan.

Scores of paramilitary police, wearing flak jackets and carrying automatic weapons, guarded each polling station following a bloody campaign in which more than 440 people have been killed.

Separatist rebels have vowed to block the election and kill candidates and others involved in the poll. Moderate separatists are not contesting the election and have urged a boycott.

A defence spokesman said the clash in which nine militants were killed took place near the line of control dividing Indian and Pakistani-ruled Kashmir, about 100km northwest of Srinagar.

Those killed in pre-poll violence included the state's law minister, and authorities say they expect more attacks.

On Sunday, militants ambushed the tourism minister, killing two of her bodyguards. The minister herself was unhurt.

Polling booths were due to close at 4pm (10.30am today) in the 25 constituencies voting on the first of the four staggered days. Counting for all four stages will be done together and results are expected on October 10.

India wants a big turnout to bolster its rule in the mainly Hindu nation's only Muslim majority state.

Many Kashmiris, frightened by the violence and disillusioned by Indian rule, say they will not vote.

More than 2000 people have died so far this year and more than 35,000 since the revolt began 13 years ago.

Kashmir's ruling National Conference party, also a member of the federal coalition Government, is likely to be returned in the absence of any strong opposition.

India accuses Pakistan of sponsoring Islamic militants fighting India's rule in Kashmir.

Pakistan has dismissed the election as a rigged farce.

- REUTERS

Further reading
Feature: The Kashmir conflict