Tensions have flared in the contested region since Indian forces killed a popular separatist leader last year. Local officials have warned of more violence ahead of an upcoming election in India-held Kashmir.
Image: picture-alliance/Zumapress/U. Asif
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Indian authorities on Monday bolstered security in the contested region of Kashmir after clashes turned deadly during a local election.
"Etiquette deployments have been made to maintain the law and order situation on Monday," a senior police official told the "Times of India" daily.
Police blocked roads with barricades and imposed travel restrictions across the Himalayan region, including suspending various train routes servicing the area.
At least 8 people were killed and more than 200 injured on Sunday after police and Indian paramilitary forces opened fire at protesters during a by-election for a parliamentary seat in the Srinagar-Budgam district.
"Violent protests happened at many places in Budgam. Protesters damaged and snatched EVMs (electronic voting machines) at some places," Jammu and Kashmir chief electoral officer Shantmanu told AFP news agency. "It was not a good day for all us."
Officials have warned of an escalation of violence ahead of a second by-election slated for April 12 in Anantnag, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) southeast of Budgam.
Shashi Tharoor on Conflict Zone
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Rising tensions
Farooq Abdullah, a former state chief minister contesting the parliamentary seat in Sunday's election, blamed the government for failing to ensure security during the electoral process.
"Elections should have been peaceful. This government has failed in giving a peaceful atmosphere for people to come and vote," Abdullah told reporters.
Tensions in India-held Kashmir have flared since July 2016, when Indian forces killed a popular separatist leader, prompting mass protests and a subsequent crackdown that left dozens dead.
Poets call it one of the most beautiful places on earth. Analysts consider it to be one of the most dangerous areas in the world. But what is Kashmir in reality?
Image: M.Davari
Multicultural
Kashmir has been well-known for its cultural and linguistic diversity. The Kashmir Valley has a Muslim majority. Hindus are predominant in Jammu while Ladakh is primarily Buddhist. But interminable violence has damaged the very fabric of society.
Image: picture-alliance/Arcaid
Saffron
Kashmir is also famous for its saffron. India is the third largest exporter of saffron following Iran and Spain.
Image: imago/Xinhua
'Switzerland of the East'
Kashmir boasts some of the world's most beautiful flowering meadows and snow-capped peaks. Many people call it "The Switzerland of the East." Almost 1.1 million tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir in 2014.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Snow-white Kashmir
Kashmir wears pure white in winter. Many areas are perfect for winter sports but lack infrastructure. Islamist violence remains the biggest challenge.
Image: UNI
Rivers
The Himalayan part of Kashmir is the source of fresh water for more than 20 rivers, among which the Indus, Neelum and Ravi are the biggest. All these rivers flow from India into Pakistan.
Image: UNI
Wood
Kashmir is also famous for its wood, the Kashmir willow. Experts believe that it is the best wood for making a cricket bat. Kashmiri wood is also used for building boats.
Image: picture alliance/NurPhoto/Y. Nazir
Sufism
Sufism, the mystical dimension of Islam, reached Kashmir in the 16th century. Sufi tradition is associated with religious harmony. Many of the saints held dear by Kashmiris were Sufi monks. Sufi singers such as Abida Parveen are popular to this day.
Image: AP
Kashmir on the silver screen
Kashmir used to be the most popular location of the Indian film industry during the 1980s. It was a golden era for Kashmir. However, the valley has been witnessing violence on an almost daily basis ever since. Nowadays, only one or two films are shot on location in Kashmir every year.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
Fighting in the clouds
The Kashmir conflict between India and Pakistan has been going on 1948, and experts see little hope of a solution in the foreseeable future. Both countries spend lots of resources on their half of the divided territory, with their respective armies squared off on what some view as the highest battlefield in the world, the Siachen glacier (5,753m).
