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FACTBOX - Kashmir votes in test of Indian rule

Mon Nov 17, 2008 8:53pm IST
 
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Reuters - With armed troops patrolling shuttered streets and separatist leaders locked up, Indian Kashmiris voted in a state election on Monday, casting their ballots for better roads and civic amenities.

Many Muslim Kashmiris were voting for better local government even if they did not accept Indian rule in their troubled state.

Following are some key facts about Kashmir, which has been torn by nearly two decades of separatist revolt:

POPULATION: The former princely state has a population of more than 10 million. About 70 percent are Muslims and the rest Hindus, Sikhs and Buddhists.

AREA: India controls about 45 percent of Kashmir, Pakistan a third and China the rest. According to official figures, of a total 222,236 square km, India controls 101,387 square km, Pakistan 78,114 square km and China 42,735 square km.

The state of Jammu and Kashmir comprises the mostly Muslim-majority Kashmir valley in the north, Buddhist Ladakh to the east and Hindu-majority Jammu in the south.

ECONOMY: About 70 percent of the population in Indian Kashmir is engaged in agriculture, including the cultivation of rice, maize and apples.

The state is also known for handicrafts such as carpets and woodcarving, and woollens such as shawls and blankets. Tourism was once a big source of income, but has been badly hit by the conflict.  Continued...

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