Jammu has delivered its verdict. Its formal announcement will be made on October 8. The region has stated it clearly and categorically that it wants its distinct identity back . There are no ifs and buts in it . This time this is the uniqueness of Jammu vote .
As the three-phased Assembly elections concluded in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday evening with a resounding message from the Valley and Jammu alike that the place has returned to the fold of Indian democracy – the mother of democracy- in a most transparent manner in the most peaceful electoral exercise so far, in which not even a single stone was thrown and not even a bird was hit, Jammu added another message , it wants its prestige back.
NEWS ANALYSIS
On August 5, 2019, when the Narendra Modi government took a momentous decision to scrap Article 370 , removing all the symbols of semi-sovereignty, which existed for decades within the Indian Union as a psychological barrier ; Jammu, the hub of Indian nationalism, was delighted. The jubilation was manifested in fire crackers and distribution of sweets on the day . This was a freedom-revisited moment for the people of Jammu, who had reeled from an endless era of discrimination . Its voice was suffocated and demands it raised were considered a threat to unity of the State. It was a great irony that the previous governments – prior to the abrogation of Article 370- hailed Jammu for its exemplary role in accommodating hordes of Kashmiri migrants and dealing with the threat of terrorism with bravery and sacrifices, but when it came to giving Jammu something, the governments developed cold feet.
Jammu tolerated it for long . It could not understand why its sacrifices were mentioned in hyperboles only and its people left high and dry when it came to sharing opportunities and rewards with other regions . In fact, Jammu and Ladakh were neglected so much that loud voices echoed in the two regions for their separation from the Valley. Ladakh Buddhists wanted Union Territory status for their region , and many in Jammu were convinced that only a separate statehood would meet its aspirations. But they were unaware of the anti-Jammu forces, who promoted idea of sub regions and their longings , drawing a division between the hills and plains . Chenab Valley and Pir Panchal nomenclature for the erstwhile Doda district , now comprising three districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban, and Rajouri and Poonch districts respectively are classic example of this . This has attempted to give a feeling to the peoples in these five districts that they were having separate identity than the overall that of Jammu region.
The dangers were very clear : three districts along Chenab river were injected with the idea of separatism from Jammu plains . It was projected the idea of geographical separation, as the terrain was different , but the real intent was to divide them psychologically as well . Similar was the case with regard to Rajouri-Poonch with some additions . The two border districts ran alongside Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and had a history of the infiltration route for terrorists on their way to the Valley.
In the elections which are over now , credit should go to BJP and its top leadership Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah , making a sincere effort in bridging the gaps between the plains and hills. Modi and shah held rallies in all the areas. Prime Minister made it a point to address rallies in Doda and Katra, while Amit shah addressed eight rallies in these five districts . Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also undertook election rally stops in these places . No other party did that. They were selective in their choice of places in the rallies. The BJP cemented political and psychological bonds .
Jammu understood that who cares for it . The people here have become wiser enough, and they received an unprecedented boost when the PM and HM told them that they had the capacity to make government on their own . This was infusing confidence and inspiration among the people . This theme was picked up by local leaders which convinced the people that they had the chance to change their destiny. It is hoped that they have made a right choice at the hustings .
