Vijay Hashia
The forthcoming Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, scheduled by the Election Commission in three phases between September 18 and October 1, 2024, mark a pivotal moment in the J&K’s political history. These elections will be the first since Jammu and Kashmir was reorganized into a Union Territory in August 2019, ending seven years of central rule following the collapse of the PDP-BJP coalition Government in 2018.
The newly elected Government will confront several challenges, including restoring political stability, addressing aspiration and grievances of diverse communities and implementing policies that reconcile the UT’s unique identity with the broader objectives of national interests. Some of the formidable challenges before the newly to be elected Government would be:
Security and Governance
Security issues have significantly delayed the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. Both regions, Jammu and Kashmir, have experienced persistent threats from terrorism and violence, with recent attacks resulting in 18 security casualties since May this year, 14 of which have occurred in the Jammu region alone. These incidents highlight the heavy toll on security forces.
The debate over whether an elected government might complicate counter-terrorism efforts is crucial. Historically, past administrations have often neglected the development of reliable human intelligence and local support, both essential for effective security operations. The upcoming elections and restoration of elected government are not merely about reinstating democratic governance but also about fostering much stronger local collaborations with intelligence agencies as part of a broader counter-terrorism strategy.
Restoration of Statehood A significant challenge for the newly elected government will be the restoration of statehood, an issue set to dominate election campaigns. Political parties will vigorously seek voter support, often making lofty promises such as reinstating Articles 370 and 35A, amending the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act of 2019, repealing the Public Safety Act (PSA), and fostering dialogue between India and Pakistan, including the release of PSA detainees. While statehood is vital for Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring autonomy and self-governance, the fulfillment of other demands remains improbable. In this connection, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated his commitment to restoring statehood, emphasizing that the central government is diligently working to establish the necessary conditions for this to occur.
Excessive Bureaucratization
The 2019 reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, which integrated the UT into the AGMUT cadre (comprising Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram, and other Union Territories), has significantly altered its governance structure. This shift has resulted in a concentration of power in the hands of bureaucrats and administrators, many of whom are from outside the UT. Currently, the ratio of centrally appointed bureaucrats is higher than that of state appointed ones. This has led to a disconnection with the local populace.
While the administrative integration into central cadre may have been necessary from administrative, security and other perspectives, given the complex terrorism challenges, there is a pressing need to gradually reinstate local governance to bridge the gap with the local populace but without compromising on the security, corruption and other administrative lapses done in the past.
Initiatives like the Lieutenant Governor’s “Awaam Ki Awaaz,” though well-intentioned, cannot replace the legitimacy and accountability that an elected government provides. Re-establishing statehood and a local governing body is essential to ensure governance is more attuned to the unique needs and aspirations of the people, fostering a more inclusive and responsive administration through citizen centric bureaucracy that prioritizes the needs, rights and participation of citizens in decision making process, ensuring that services are accessible, transparent, corruption free and responsive to the public, would be another formidable challenge for the newly elected Government.
Domicile Policy
The new domicile policy has generated considerable controversy. This policy replaces the former Permanent Resident (PR) status, a cornerstone of identity for many locals, and now allows new categories of individuals to claim domicile status. These new categories include those who have resided in the Union Territory for at least 15 years, students who have studied in Jammu and Kashmir for seven years and passed class 10 or 12 examinations, and children of Central Government employees who have served in the region for at least 10 years.
To restore trust, an elected government must approach the domicile policy with sensitivity, ensuring inclusivity for all marginalized Hindu communities, including Valmikis, West Pakistan refugees, and Gorkhas, who were previously denied PR rights. Addressing these historical injustices is crucial, as is alleviating concerns among Kashmiri Pandits, Muslims, and Jammu Hindus about the potential erosion of their cultural and economic rights.
The newly elected government must clearly communicate the policy’s intent to rectify past injustices while safeguarding the unique identity and autonomy of the Union Territory. Rebuilding trust by demonstrating a commitment to balancing integration of two provinces and diverse cultures would be another challenge for the new government.
Moreover, recently, Jammu region has experienced unrest over issues such as the Sarore Toll Plaza, perceived by many as an undue financial burden on a region already facing economic challenges. Protests against various government policies such as, recruitment, excise, and land laws, further highlight the disconnect between the centralized governance model and the local population. This situation highlights the urgent need for a more representative government capable of addressing these concerns effectively and fostering a sense of inclusion and respect for local sentiments.
Delimitation and Nominated Members
The recent delimitation exercise has increased Legislative Assembly seats from 83 to 90, adding six seats for Jammu and one for Kashmir, with reserved seats for ST, SC, and the Kashmiri migrants
The Lieutenant Governor’s nomination of three additional members, including two Kashmiri migrant community and one from displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK), aims to broaden representation. While the new law is intended to empower Kashmiri Pandits, opinions divide on its potential benefits. Some arguing that reserving more Assembly seats for Kashmiri Pandits would have been more beneficial. In this scenario, the effectiveness of nominated representatives in addressing community’s complex issues such as security, return and rehabilitation, economic development, and cultural preservation etc will remain a challenge before the newly elected government.
Restoration of Trust
The forthcoming elections offer an opportunity for all political parties, apart from the other issues, to restore democratic processes and statehood in Jammu and Kashmir. A newly elected government would likely be more attuned to the people’s needs and aspirations, offering autonomy in decision-making and enhancing the legitimacy of governance in the eyes of the local populace. This is crucial for rebuilding trust, especially following the erosion of confidence caused by the abrogation of Article 370 and Section 35A. The election outcome together with the governance will determine if efforts to restore democracy translate into tangible benefits for the stability, development, and well-being of the UT and its people.
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