Deepshikha Maan, Jadetimes Staff
D. Maan is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia
A decade later, Kashmir is making preparations for historic elections.
Organised marches and vocal protests
In a village located in Indian administered Kashmir, a vibrant procession of vehicles embellished with party flags arrives on a clear September afternoon. Against the backdrop of an electoral rally, Iltija Mufti, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ascends through the sunroof of one of the vehicles. Directing her words towards a fervent audience, she enthusiastically declares, "Yeli ye Mufti (When Mufti will be in power)," eliciting a collective response from the crowd: "Teli Tch’le Sakhti (Then the repression will arrive)."
Amidst the unfolding rally, army personnel remain vigilantly positioned in the backdrop, closely observing every action. Carrying automatic guns, these soldiers embody the tense atmosphere that envelops elections in the region, which has been characterized by prolonged conflict and turmoil for many years.
Political elections following ten years of turmoil
Kashmir is currently witnessing elections in 47 assembly seats, marking the first time in a decade. Three conflicts have arisen between the nuclear-armed neighbours of India and Pakistan in the region, which is claimed by both countries. The political landscape has been tumultuous since the 1990s, when a military rebellion against Indian governance commenced, leading to the massive loss of lives, involving both civilians and security personnel.
This triennial election also encompasses 43 assembly seats in Jammu, a neighbouring area characterised by a Hindu majority.
Political Environment after 2019
This election is the first since 2019, when the autonomous status of Jammu and Kashmir was removed by the Indian government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The elimination of the region's statehood and its division into two federally-administered territories precipitated a significant political transformation. Since that time, the area has been under the administration of a federal supervisor.
A total of 13 political parties are now vying for dominance in the 90-seat assembly. The two main regional parties, led by Mehbooba Mufti in the PDP and Omar Abdullah in the National Conference (NC), are the prevailing contenders. In Jammu & Kashmir, both Mufti and Abdullah have served as former chief ministers.
The Congress, India's primary opposition party, has forged an alliance with the NC, in addition to the PDP and NC. Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also participating in the competition. Nevertheless, the BJP's impact in the Kashmir Valley is still restricted, despite its substantial support in Jammu.
After securing a majority of seats in Jammu in the 2014 elections, the BJP formed a coalition government with the PDP. However, the alliance disintegrated in 2018 as a result of ongoing tensions.
Upon Engineer Rashid's return
Engineer Rashid, a contentious congressman who has been incarcerated for the past five years on charges connected to terrorism, is another significant figure in this race. After being granted bail shortly before the polls, Rashid garnered widespread recognition when he achieved an unforeseen triumph in the general election earlier this year, beating Omar Abdullah. During his incarceration, his sons spearheaded the campaign on his behalf.
In Kashmir, the history of elections has been characterized by intense volatility, since several citizens and separatist leaders have chosen to boycott the process, perceiving it as a means for Delhi to establish dominance over the territory.
A Historical Account of Intense Elections
Kashmir has had 12 assembly elections since 1947, however, voter participation has frequently been lacking as a result of violence and intimidation. Adversaries have launched assaults on polling booths, while security personnel have faced allegations of coercing citizens into voting. Militant gangs have abducted or murdered hundreds of political workers throughout the years.
Controversially, separatist leaders are now participating in multiple constituencies in this election, which is a deviation from previous boycotts. Among the most closely monitored races is the one involving the banned Jamaat e Islami (JEI), which has formed an alliance with Rashid's Awami Ittehad Party (AIP).
Prospects for Political Transformation
In Jammu and Kashmir, voters will be participating in the election of a local legislature, which will be headed by a chief minister and a council of ministers. Under Delhi's government, the assembly will have restricted authority, but many locals perceive this election as an opportunity to effect political transformation in the region.
The majority of opposition parties have made a commitment to reinstate the statehood of Jammu & Kashmir and reaffirm its unique importance. Conversely, the BJP has stated that it will not restore autonomy but has pledged to reinstate statehood "at a suitable moment following the elections."
The loss of the region's autonomy seems to have been accepted by many inhabitants. "Article 370 is unlikely to be reinstated unless a remarkable event occurs," stated Suheel Mir, a research scholar. According to him, the commitments to reinstate autonomy are mostly being made with the intention of gaining votes in the politically sensitive environment of the election season.
Key Voter Issues: Joblessness, Corruption, and Political Security
Young voters prioritize concerns such as political instability, corruption, and, most all, unemployment, which are widely experienced in both Kashmir and Jammu. The purpose of our vote is to address our daily challenges. "The Kashmir issue is completely unrelated," stated an unidentified voter.
For some, however, participating in the election is a means of expressing their opposition to the BJP. According to 38 year old Zameer Ahmad, our intention is to convey that the revocation of Article 370 is deemed intolerable.
The Consequences of the Revocation of Article 370
Following the repeal of Article 370 by the Modi government five years ago, which conferred autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, the government justified the action as essential for the restoration of normalcy in the region. The ruling resulted in a rigorous security enforcement, many arrests, restrictions on access to the internet, and a prolonged period of internet unavailability. The revocation also deprived inhabitants of specific entitlements, such as the only title to land ownership and government employment.
Subsequently, the Modi government has prioritized a new period of tranquility and progress for Kashmir, evidenced by the declaration of projects valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, which seek to merge the region's economy with the rest of India. Many residents, however, claim that they have not yet seen the advantages of these initiatives and still struggle with violence and high unemployment.
Issues in Security and Human Rights
Decades of claims of human rights breaches have been fanned by the deployment of thousands of Indian army troops in the region, who possess extensive authority. "Kashmir suffers from a dearth of democracy and freedoms, with another significant number of political activists incarcerated," stated political scientist Noor Ahmad Baba. "This election provides individuals with an opportunity to express their views on these reforms," he said.
An Alignment in Political Thinking
The atmosphere in Kashmir is steadily changing. Amidst the parade of political posters, party flags, and billboards, local men engage in heated discussions over election results over chai at nearby bakeries. "Traditional political narratives have undergone a comprehensive overhaul," stated Tooba Punjabi, a scholar. "In the past, boycotts were the hallmark of elections." Currently, the emphasis is on selecting the appropriate party to rectify previous injustices.
The transition was also seen in the parliamentary elections earlier this year, when Kashmir achieved a remarkable voter participation rate of 58.46%. A considerable number of inhabitants are relying on regional political parties to deal with their complaints. According to businessman Tahir Hussain, these parties have served as a protective barrier between Delhi and Kashmir. He emphasised that a significant number of voters prioritise securing local leadership.
Issues Faced by the BJP in Jammu
It is anticipated by analysts that the BJP may encounter difficulties in Jammu this time, as internal disputes and infighting have hindered the party's aspirations. In addition, there is a rising dissatisfaction among residents who are unhappy with the party's policies.
Although the BJP's development platform first appealed to many in Jammu, locals are increasingly scrutinising the absence of concrete progress. According to local lawmaker Gulchain Singh Charak, the removal of Article 370 has resulted in an influx of individuals from other states to Jammu, therefore compromising our access to employment opportunities and land ownership.
Sunil Sethi, the primary spokesman for the region of the BJP, dismissed these criticisms. "Efforts have been made to enhance infrastructure, construct roadways, and attract international investors," he stated.
Future Prospects
Kashmir is approaching these momentous elections with an unclear conclusion. What is evident, however, is that this election has transcended being merely a competition for assembly seats. The referendum is about the future of the region, as voters evaluate the commitments to peace and development in comparison to the actualities of unemployment, instability, and the ongoing fight for political independence.
