NEW DELHI. Aug 7: Elections for the local government In insurrection-wracked Kashmir will be held next month, six years after the previous legislature was dismissed. the Election Commission announced Wednesday, reports AP.

The ballot, which Is opposed by pro-independence groups, will be the first legislative election in Jammu -Kashmir state since 1987.

Voting will be held Sept 7. 16. 21 and 30. said GVG Krishnamurthy, the election commissioner.

The staggering of dates will enable police and military to concentrate forces at polling stations to avoid violence by Kashmiri militants

Jammu-Kashmir Is the only Muslim majority stale In pre dominantly Hindu India Nearly 15.000 people have died in the fighting since the sepa ratist revolt erupted in 1989.

The pro separatist All Parly Hurrtyat Conference has decided to boycott the election The umbrella group of 32 po litlcal and professional organisations says it wants an election under the supervision of the United Nations to deter mine Kashmir's future.