In light of the measures implemented by the Narendra Modi-led Indian government to alter the demographic composition of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, 11 lakh new voters, mostly outsiders, have been incorporated into the territory’s voter lists following the revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
According to Kashmir Media Service, prior to 2019, the total number of voters stood at around 76 lakhs. As per Hindustan Samachar, by January 2024, the voter count surged to over 86 lakhs, indicating an addition of nearly 11 lakhs, predominantly comprised of outsiders, since the revocation of Article 370.
This increase is attributed to the rise in the number of outsiders acquiring citizenship rights post-Article 370 abrogation.—KMS
