Indian-controlled Kashmir elections not plebiscite: chief minister

Indian- controlled Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Monday that people's participation in the recently concluded local elections should not be perceived as plebiscite.

"Converting these assembly elections into plebiscite or as strategic victory is fraught with dangers for future polls," Abdullah told media. "I believe these elections are not about India, Pakistan or the Kashmir issue."

He was speaking at his tenure's last press conference in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian-controlled Kashmir.

Tens of thousands of people had ignored the boycott call of militant groups and separatists opposing New Delhi's rule and voted in the election.

According to Indian election commission, the polls recorded turnout of 66 percent.

Kashmir, the Himalayan region divided between India and Pakistan, is claimed by both in full. Since their independence from Britain, the two countries have fought three wars, two exclusively over Kashmir.

India's National Security Advisor Ajit Doval has described the elections as "successful" and of immense "strategic importance."

Abdullah's National Conference (NC) is seeking to win a re- election. He was heading the coalition government in the region with India's Congress party.

Various exit polls for the elections have predicted a fractured mandate, with no party wining a clear majority.

The exit polls foresee a hung assembly (lawmaking body) and have shown NC trailing behind opposition PDP and right-wing Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) in the elections.

The counting of votes and announcement of results are scheduled to be made on Tuesday.