This is a scene from the campaign of Sheikh Abdul Rashid. He ran for a parliamentary seat in India's general elections, which were held this past spring. His campaign resonated.

KHANDEKAR: They say, "we want an Engineer Rashid in every house, even if it's largely just another protest vote." Kashmiris say it's the only way they can send a message. For NPR News, I'm Omkar ...

In India's legislative elections that ended in June, Kashmiris turned out to vote in unprecedented numbers. But who they voted for tells you about the mood in the restive territory.

In India's legislative elections that ended in June, Kashmiris turned out to vote in unprecedented numbers. But who they voted for tells you about the mood in the restive territory.

In India's legislative elections that ended in June, Kashmiris turned out to vote in unprecedented numbers. But who they voted for tells you about the mood in the restive territory.

UNIDENTIFIED CROWD #2: (Speaking Urdu). KHANDEKAR: "We are rebels too." This is a scene from the campaign of Sheikh Abdul Rashid. He ran for a parliamentary seat in India's general elections ...

In India's legislative elections that ended in June, Kashmiris turned out to vote in unprecedented numbers. But who they voted for tells you about the mood in the restive territory.

In India's legislative elections that ended in June, Kashmiris turned out to vote in unprecedented numbers. But who they voted for tells you about the mood in the restive territory.