Jammu: Kashmir politicians are visibly upset this election season. Reason: Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party ‘abandoning’ hot spot of abrogating Article 370 in its election manifesto. Normally, concerned about Kashmir’s special identity, they should have welcomed the change of saffron heart it is other way round. They are upset for finding their apple-cart getting derailed from the track they have weaved over the years to befool Kashmiris. But is there any taker? Ostensibly none but there has to be some food for thought to keep the pot boiling in the Valley and what could be more spicy dish than hammering India and what India is all about.
Ek Pehlu Yeh Bi Hai Kashmir Ki Tasveer Ka. The so-called mainstream parties including Congress are in competitive mode of overtaking separatists in their bid to bargain votes by talking all that Geelani and company have been doing more vociferously since the past two and half decades. Some ruling party politicians, holding constitutional positions are openly eulogising elements seen as threat to the sovereignty of the nation.
Congress is peeved over Article 370 missing from the BJP’s vision about Jammu and Kashmir elections. They seek explanation. National Conference has grouse why Peoples’ Conference Chairman and ex-separatist Sajjad Lone has joined the mainstream bandwagon by deciding to contest elections. They are more worried over his hobnobbing with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as it would dilute his chant of Azadi. Surprisingly, Lone-BJP bonhomie is litmus test for the National Conference. Peoples Democratic Party has abruptly revived its abandoned Self- Rule doctrine, which found no space during the recently held parliamentary elections that gave the party all the three Kashmir seats. What has changed between the past six months that has forced the PDP to get back its old tactics? BJP can’t be a factor in the Valley as they-Congress, PDP and NC– proclaim to scare away the people. On their target radar lies Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar and Yasin Malik. They want them to use their good offices for clandestine support. It is a known fact in Kashmir that separatists are on several pay rolls. They have best of times these days. They are brokering support and the pampered Indian mainstream leaders are in real obliging mood.
Despite getting serious rebuff from electors who thronged the booths in record numbers during the first phase, the separatists continue to issue boycott calls, obviously for sending ‘compliance report’ across the borders. After all, muster roll remains relevant in Kashmir politics too to encash blank cheques. It is, however, not to suggest that separatists are wielding so much of clout that they can tilt the balance in favour of any particular party. The question is all about lowering the level of boycott so that people do not feel scared to vote. The bogey of BJP was, therefore, a ready issue to harness in optimum.
Having said that, the mute question remains as to how long shall power politics vitiate the Kashmir atmosphere. For six years, the ruling parties remain loyal to the Constitution (with subtle flirtation with separatism too to bully New Delhi) and once out of power, they shrink the space of traditional and professional separatists. Narendra Modi may pat his back on democracy triumphing in Kashmir but what about nationalism that is fast eroding due to gimmicks of the so-called mainstream leadership. A serious introspection is needed at the highest level to reach out the root cause of malady in Kashmir. Elections or no elections, the question is all about Indian foothold in the Valley.
