Dipak Kurmi
The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections witnessed an unprecedented voter turnout, marking a significant shift in the region’s political landscape. With participation levels crossing 58% at the time of writing and expected to exceed 60%, this robust engagement underscores a departure from the historically low voter participation in the region. The enthusiasm surrounding the elections has demonstrated the people’s willingness to exercise their democratic rights and shape the future of Jammu and Kashmir, despite the political volatility of the past.
The initial success of the elections would have come as a blow to Pakistan-backed propagandists who have long peddled narratives that democracy in Kashmir is dead, especially following the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Instead, what the world witnessed on election day were long queues of voters eager to participate in the democratic process, highlighting a rejection of these external narratives and a renewed faith in the Indian electoral system. For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the elections signal more than just the selection of representatives-they are about reclaiming their right to determine their future within the framework of a functioning democracy.
The vibrant atmosphere of the elections resembled the political fervor typically seen across India, with rallies, speeches, and debates dominating the landscape. The second and third phases of voting, scheduled for 25 September and 1 October respectively, are expected to maintain or even surpass the level of voter engagement seen in the first phase. This surge in voter turnout and political enthusiasm reflects a broader mainstreaming of the Valley and is a testament to the transformations witnessed in the region since the abrogation of Article 370.
A New Political Landscape: Mainstreaming Kashmir
The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, which stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, has undeniably brought about significant changes to the political, social, and economic fabric of the region. Srinagar, the region’s capital, stands as a symbol of this transformation. Once a city marked by strikes, terror attacks, and a pervasive sense of fear, Srinagar has now been revitalized. Lal Chowk, a place historically seen as the focal point of political protests, now proudly flies the Indian flag-something unthinkable a few years ago.
In the past, the city would be eerily quiet after dark, with locals retreating indoors out of fear. However, today, Srinagar bustles with activity well into the evening, with tourists and locals alike enjoying the revitalized city center. This transformation is not limited to urban spaces. Across the region, the abrogation of Article 370 has brought infrastructural development, with roads, schools, and hospitals being built at a faster pace than ever before.
The talk of Jammu and Kashmir in the international media before the abrogation often revolved around allegations of human rights abuses, with reports of torture, rape, and arbitrary detentions dominating the headlines. While these narratives were often exaggerated or false, they nonetheless had a significant impact on the perception of the region. Separatist groups and their overground workers had perfected the art of “victim shopping,” feeding visiting foreign journalists stories of oppression and brutality. These narratives, while not entirely baseless, were often manipulated to serve the interests of external actors, particularly Pakistan, which has long sought to destabilize the region.
However, much of this seems like a bad dream now. The security apparatus in Jammu and Kashmir has been successful in cutting off the financial channels that once supported these narratives and the activities of separatist groups. The disappearance of the Hurriyat Conference, a separatist political organization that once wielded significant influence in the region, is a testament to the changing tides. The death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the hardline Hurriyat leader, marked the end of an era where the Valley’s political calendar was dictated by his hartal (strike) calls. In the past, elections were frequently marred by low voter turnout as the Hurriyat’s calls for boycotts were followed by a significant section of the population.
The Role of the Security Apparatus in Normalization
The normalization of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir owes much to the stellar work done by the Indian security forces and the administration under the Lieutenant Governor’s leadership. The Indian Army, in particular, has played a crucial role in ensuring that terrorism does not regain its foothold in the region. The strategy has been simple yet effective: anyone who picks up a gun is neutralized within a year. This has significantly reduced the life expectancy of local militants, deterring many from joining terror outfits.
The crackdown on terrorists has forced Pakistan-backed groups to shift their focus to Jammu, but even there, the Indian security forces have remained vigilant. The continued success of counter-terrorism operations has ensured that the region remains stable, albeit with the ever-present threat of Pakistani interference. The security forces have paid a high price in terms of manpower to maintain this peace, but their efforts have not been in vain. The elections, conducted peacefully and with significant voter participation, are a testament to the effectiveness of the security measures in place.
Aspirations of a New Generation: A Return to Hope
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this election is the return of aspirations in the Valley. For decades, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have lived in a state of perpetual fear and uncertainty. However, this election has brought with it a renewed sense of hope. The youth, in particular, are playing an active role in shaping the political landscape. Having grown up amidst political turbulence, the younger generation is now eager to contribute to the region’s governance and development.
For the first time in years, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are beginning to believe in a better future. The presence of young voters at polling booths is a clear indication that they see democracy as a viable means to achieve peace, stability, and progress. This election is not just about electing representatives; it is about fulfilling the aspirations of a population that has long been denied a sense of normalcy.
This resurgence of hope is also evident in the participation of political groups that were once considered separatists. Parties like the Jamaat and Engineer Rashid’s Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) are now taking the democratic path to make their voices heard. In particular, AIP, which won the Baramulla seat in the Lok Sabha elections by defeating Omar Abdullah, has emerged as a significant player in the Assembly elections. Engineer Rashid, the leader of AIP, had a lead in 14 of Baramulla’s 18 Assembly segments during the Lok Sabha elections, and his success in these elections could signal a shift in the region’s political dynamics.
The Fall of Traditional Political Parties
The traditional political parties of Jammu and Kashmir, such as the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), have themselves to blame for the erosion of their support base. For years, these parties dominated the political landscape of the region, but their failure to address the real issues faced by the people has led to their decline. The consensus in the Valley now seems to be that these parties have done little to improve the lives of the people and must be relegated to the past.
The rise of smaller parties and independent candidates represents a significant shift in the region’s political makeup. These new players are more representative of the local population and have managed to connect with voters in a way that the traditional parties have not. Whether or not they can fulfill the promises they have made to their voters remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is undergoing a transformation.
This election is not about promises to bring back Article 370, a move that is both impossible and impractical. Instead, it is about the real issues that affect the daily lives of the people. The voters of Jammu and Kashmir are not looking for grandiose promises-they want a normal life, a peaceful life, and a prosperous life. These aspirations must be met if the new political leaders hope to maintain the trust of their constituents.
A New Chapter for Jammu and Kashmir
The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections marks the beginning of a new chapter for the region. The high voter turnout, the peaceful conduct of the elections, and the participation of new political players all point to a brighter future for the region. The abrogation of Article 370 may have been a turning point, but the people of Jammu and Kashmir are now taking control of their own destiny through democratic means.
The road ahead will not be easy. As long as Pakistan continues to meddle in the region’s affairs, there will always be the threat of instability. However, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have shown that they are resilient, and they are ready to face the challenges ahead. The elections are a reaffirmation of their faith in democracy and a clear indication that they are committed to building a better future for themselves and for generations to come.
As the region moves forward with the remaining phases of the elections, one thing is certain: Jammu and Kashmir is on the path to progress, and its people are determined to make their voices heard. The elections are not just about politics-they are about hope, aspiration, and the promise of a better tomorrow.