1998 Indian general election in Jammu and Kashmir

The 1998 Indian general election in Jammu and Kashmir was part of the nationwide elections held from April to May 1998 to select members of the 12th Lok Sabha. This election was significant as it marked the first time that Jammu and Kashmir participated in the parliamentary process after several years of conflict and political instability in the region. The election was conducted in an atmosphere of heightened security concerns, following a long period of militancy and unrest. The People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference emerged as key players, reflecting the local political dynamics. The elections aimed to restore democratic governance and facilitate the integration of Kashmir into the broader Indian political framework. The voter turnout was notably variable, influenced by both security challenges and political sentiments.