Political startups bleed support in India-administered Kashmir over suspected Delhi ties
Voice of America
The workers of the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, a newly formed political group on the Indian side of Kashmir, wave their party flag as one of its candidates submits nomination papers at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Tankipora, Srinagar, Sept. 4, 2024. (Wasim Nabi for VOA) Noor Mohammad Sheikh, a former MLA from Jammu and Kashmir, pictured here on Sept. 6, 2024, was initially with the Peoples Democratic Party but is now running as an independent candidate. (Wasim Nabi for VOA) The Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference (JKPC), led by separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone, held a press conference in Srinagar, Sept 5, 2024. (Wasim Nabi for VOA)
New political parties formed after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special autonomy five years ago appear to be bleeding support ahead of the first regional elections since then. Analysts see perceived ties to the central government in New Delhi as a factor.
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