The elections in Indian-administered Kashmir, which concluded Tuesday, were conducted fairly, but not freely according to an independent team of observers.

The team was sent to the disputed territory by a think tank, the Institute of Social Sciences.

They said the fear of attacks by separatist militants did not prevent large numbers of people from turning out to vote in some areas.

Voters waiting to vote in the final phase

The elections in Indian Kashmir, during which more than 800 lives have been lost, were overshadowed by controversy, because of Pakistan's claim to the territory.

The Delhi-based Institute of Social Sciences concluded that it was a fair election, but, because of the all-pervading sense of fear, it could not be called free.

No tension

The institute's director, George Mathew, said where good security was provided, turnout was not always high, suggesting many people stayed away for ideological reasons.

The observers were heartened by the lack of Muslim-Hindu tensions during the polls and particularly praised the courage of women in turning out to vote.

Political parties which contested the assembly polls have been quick to claim the elections were both free and fair.

The vice president of the regional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mehbooba Mufti, said: "The elections have been fair as far as the polling booths are concerned. We have been able to contain the ruling party to the maximum."

The PDP is fast emerging as the main opposition party in the region.

Accusations

India's ruling Hindu nationalist BJP party have said the election process in the state Kashmir was a fitting reply to Pakistan, which they say has been trying to disrupt the polling.

India accuses Pakistan of aiding "cross-border terrorism", a charge Pakistan denies.

The Institute of Social Sciences report comes as India offered to hold talks with Kashmiri leaders, including separatists who stayed away from state elections, on granting greater autonomy to the disputed region.

Separatist groups, and the Pakistani government, have dismissed the whole elections, saying they want an overall referendum on Kashmir's future.

The elections in Indian-administered Kashmir ended, Tuesday.

Counting of votes will start on Thursday and results are expected the same day.