Official data show Kashmir’s biggest political party, opposed to India’s stripping of the region’s semi-autonomy, has won most seats in a local election, in a vote seen as a referendum against the move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

The election will bring some self-rule back to the Himalayan region after years of being administered directly by New Delhi.

Indian-administered Kashmir elected Tuesday its first government since the restive Himalayan territory was brought under New Delhi's direct control, as voters backed opposition parties to lead its regional assembly.

India party, the National Conference, is a blow to Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party, which secured only 27 seats.