Nov 17 (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. VOTERS: The state has 6.4 million voters and 87 assembly seats. The elections starting from Monday will be held in seven stages. GOVERNMENT: Jammu and Kashmir state came under New Delhi's direct rule in July after the state government fell over a land dispute. The controversy became the trigger for some of Kashmir's biggest anti-India protests since a revolt against New Delhi's rule began in 1989. At least 42 protesters have been killed by government forces and about 1,000 people injured. CAPITALS: The winter capital of the state is Jammu, and Srinagar its summer capital. HISTORY: The former independent state has been disputed by India and Pakistan since they won independence from Britain in 1947 after a bloody partition. The two countries have fought two of their three wars over the region, which is known for its snow-capped mountains, pine forests, verdant meadows and lakes dotted with houseboats. After the partition, independent Kashmir, with its largely Muslim population, was expected to go to Pakistan. The Hindu ruler, Maharaja Hari Singh, wanted to stay independent but faced a revolt and the threat of an invasion by Muslim tribesman from Pakistan. In October 1947, Hari Singh hastily signed an instrument of accession to India in return for military aid and the territory became a battleground for India and Pakistan. Simmering discontent with Indian rule boiled over into open revolt in 1989. Officials say more than 43,000 people have been killed since then, but separatists put the toll over 100,000. PEACE PROCESS: India and Pakistan began a slow-moving peace process in 2004 resulting in a considerable fall in violence between Indian troops and Muslim militants in Kashmir. The two armies agreed to a ceasefire at the end of 2003 across the Line of Control dividing Kashmir. (Compiled by Sheikh Mushtaq; Editing by Krittivas Mukherjee and Paul Tait)
A security escort vehicle followed by a truck load of supplies drive past Khayber pass November 17, 2008. Pakistani security forces escorted a truck convoy carrying supplies for Western forces in ...
