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Kashmiris stage protests during Indian elections

AIJAZ HUSSAIN
  • A security person stands guard as Indians wait in a queue to cast their votes during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Sonapur village, outskirts of Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
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    A security person stands guard as Indians wait in a queue to cast their votes during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Sonapur village, outskirts of Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
  • An Indian boy watches as his mother casts her vote during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
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    An Indian boy watches as his mother casts her vote during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
  • Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, center, arrives with his wife Kiran Rao to cast their vote during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Mumbai, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
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    Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, center, arrives with his wife Kiran Rao to cast their vote during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Mumbai, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
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  • A polling official ink marks the index finger of a woman voter during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
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    A polling official ink marks the index finger of a woman voter during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
A security person stands guard as Indians wait in a queue to cast their votes during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Sonapur village, outskirts of Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
An Indian boy watches as his mother casts her vote during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)
Bollywood actor Aamir Khan, center, arrives with his wife Kiran Rao to cast their vote during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Mumbai, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)
A polling official ink marks the index finger of a woman voter during the sixth phase of polling of the Indian parliamentary elections in Gauhati, India, Thursday, April 24, 2014.The multiphase voting across the country runs until May 12, with results for the 543-seat lower house of parliament expected on May 16. (AP Photo/Anupam Nath)

SRINAGAR, India (AP) — Indian forces used tear gas and wooden batons Thursday to disperse scores of Kashmiri demonstrators who shouted anti-India slogans and threw rocks to protest against voting in national elections in the disputed region.

The protesters, chanting "Down with India" and "We want freedom," also attacked some polling stations with rocks in two towns, Bijbehara and Pulwama, but there was no disruption in voting in Kashmir, a police officer said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to reporters.

Voter turnout appeared to be low, with less than 5 percent of 1.3 million eligible voters casting their ballots in the first two hours in Anantnag district, police said. The key battle is between Mehboob Baig of Jammu-Kashmir state's governing National Conference party and opposition leader Mehbooba Mufti.

Indian Kashmir elects only six members for the 543-member strong Indian Parliament, but voting there will take place over several days due to security concerns.

Rebels and separatist politicians have urged people to boycott the vote to show that they do not recognize India's sovereignty.

More than a dozen rebel groups have been fighting for Kashmir's independence from India or merger with Pakistan since 1989.

Millions of people on Thursday were voting for 117 parliamentary seats in 11 Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, and one federally administered union territory.

With 814 million eligible voters, India is voting in phases over six weeks. Results are expected May 16.

The main Hindu opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, with strong momentum on promises of a surge in economic growth, appears to be leading the race to end the Congress party's 10 years in power.