SRINAGAR: India’s government has dissolved held Kashmir’s state assembly in a sudden move that could lead to fresh elections and further turmoil in the disputed region also claimed by Pakistan.

The move, which came after two rival local alliances staked claims to form a government in the heavily-militarised region, was seen to strengthen the hand of the New Delhi government, which has ruled occupied Kashmir directly since June and is gearing up for next year’s general election.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s hand-picked governor said he dissolved the legislature late on Wednesday in the absence of a stable government in Jammu and Kashmir.

Satya Pal Malik said on Wednesday night that elections would be held “at an appropriate time so that a government with a clear mandate is duly formed”.

Malik is the first politician to be appointed governor of India-held Jammu and Kashmir in decades, with the role traditionally reserved for non-political figures.

The disputed Himalayan region has been plagued for decades by political instability and an armed campaign that has left tens of thousands dead, mostly civilians. Armed groups have long fought half a million Indian troops stationed there, de­­m­anding an independent state or merger with Pakistan.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) pulled out of the governing coalition in Jammu and Kashmir in June, because of what it called worsening “terrorism and violence”.

This latest move has agitated an alliance of local parties that claimed to have a majority in parliament, and a right to rule free from New Delhi’s control.

Malik dismissed their claim, alleging that “extensive horse-trading and possible exchange of money” had occurred and the alliance could not ensure stable government.

The BJP called for fresh polls “at the earliest”.

Analysts say the BJP hope to rule in their own right in the disputed region, and the latest move could be aimed at appearing tough on Pakistan and the Kashmiri armed groups ahead of a general election next year.

The Hindu-right party could exploit the sense of political instability as Modi campaigns for a second term in the coming months, experts said.

“The BJP could sell it both ways across India, for gains in general elections,” said Noor Ahmad Baba, a political scientist at Univer­sity of Kashmir.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2018