SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Voting in the final phase of the election to choose a local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir began Tuesday in the first such vote since Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government stripped the disputed region of its special status five years ago.

India’s northern-most region of Jammu and Kashmir concludes local elections on Tuesday as concerns mount of an uncertain outcome that may delay economic progress in the restive province.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 Phase 3 Voting Live Updates: The voting began at 7am and will conclude around 6pm, till the voters arrive. Conting of votes and results are scheduled for October 8.

Ahead of the final phase of a local election in Indian-controlled Kashmir, a key resistance leader says the regional polls to choose a local government will not resolve the decades-old conflict that is at the heart of a dispute between New Delhi and Pakistan.

The exit poll predictions will be released only after October 5 when voting concludes in Haryana. Elections are being held in both Haryana and J&K simultaneously.

Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections are reaching their final phase, with voting slated for. Voters will cast their ballots across 40 assembly seats. The election's last phase sees over 3.9 million people ready to vote.

Indian-administered side of the disputed region is voting in the first polls since New Delhi revoked its autonomy in 2019