Wg Cdr Mahesh Chander Sudan (Retd)
We, the people of Jammu and Kashmir, have witnessed transformation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir post abrogation of Article 370 in Aug 2019 both in terms of territory and status. Reorganization of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, as per Reorganization Act 2019, not only divided the territory into two parts but also incurred emotive alienation of the people across the regional divides of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh despite the fact that diversity of culture, language and temperaments could not affect the unification of the princely state for decades and committed to long lasting peace and tranquility even during English rule which is otherwise best known for divide and rule policy. The Jammu, a Dogra land, known for valour, bravery embraced traditionally rich Kashmir valley that attracted wisdom, intelligentsia, natural beauty blessed with water bodies and the Ladakh region known for its heritage treasure enabled the trident of bravery, wisdom and heritage to maintain altitude of attraction for the world. This rare combination of human values blessed by Lord Shiva habited flora and fauna, rich wild life, philosophers and revered saints who found their spiritual journey more pious and fulfilling in this part of land.
It would be in order to mention that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered many historical ups and downs that compelled them to undergo frequent migrations for safety and sustenance of life against mighty aggressors even during Mughal era, Sikh Kingdom before it settles down in the hands of Dogra Clans. As the Dogra State escaped direct English Rule, it has a choice to select either side of the partitioned India during 1947 and the majority mandate favored joining India that subsequently backfired due to delayed decision of the Maharaja of the Princely State and in the process unprecedented bloodshed leashed by the invaders from Pakistan killed lakhs of innocent people. Post accession of JK with India, the political players of National Conference and Indian National Congress advocated for integration with regional autonomy ensured through constitutional provisions that enabled a concerted approach for consolidation of power, drawing development plans and more importantly dealing with security issues to ensure peace and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Alongside other parts of India, political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir started getting affected by pluralism and accountability allowing increased public participation in the governance of the public resources. This phase of political stability could not last long and suffered a setback in year 1987 due to noticeable electoral frauds leaving historical marks on mind of most innocent people of Jammu and Kashmir that gave fertile ground to our traditional aggressor to exploit the situation in their favor by an act of terrorism through hired hard core separatists. It resultantly devoid people of democratic rights for almost a decade and the next opportunity offered to them were in the year 1996, indicating a desire for stability, reconciliation and inclusivity of governance embedded in the emerging political landscape.
Another period that suffered substantial upheavals/uncertainties in political dynamics of JK runs between 2002 to 2019 that experienced the political alliances to take stage but these experiments failed to prove their worth as both the Governments of alliances partners fell flat before completing their tenure. Both the governments formed through alliance with INC and BJP in 2002 and 2014 could not maintain balance on point of ideological differences and failed to steer the governance of public resources for full tenure and resultantly victimized state welfare. This followed a complete lull on political scenario allowing alternate constitutional provision of governance through appointed Governor/Administrator of the state till abrogation of Article 370 and reorganization of the State of J&K into two Union Territories signifying a changed policy of Indian Union towards JK. This Constitutional Change demanded more progressive political outlook to address complex issues and it resulted in formation of some new political local entities like Apni Party, the Democratic Azad Party, AIP(Awami Ittehad Party) and national parties like Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). It is also important to note that these newly formed political parties are though young in formation and with new in identity but they are not new to Jammu and Kashmir politics.
Based on the electoral experience of recently concluded Parliamentary Elections, the Election Commission of India declared three phased Legislative Elections commencing from 18th of Sep 2024 to achieve democratically elected popular UT Government by second week of Oct 2024 not only to allow nine million voters to cast their mandate in a free and fair environment but to end ten years long unusual gap in holding elections in a democracy. It is also a fact that the narrative of political history in the state of Jammu and Kashmir has long been influenced by common subjects like self-rule, autonomy, militancy, Article 370, exodus of Kashmiri Pandits among others for decades. However, with the recent abrogation of Article 370, the reorganization of JK into UTs and stripping of Statehood, there appears a strong voice necessitating paradigm shift in political massage. Appropriate change in the campaign strategy and election manifestoes by the participating political parties has become unavoidable. A dynamic approach towards current issues overriding old traditional politics of the past should guide towards inclusivity and new era of progress.
Indeed, the people of Jammu and Kashmir require better facilities, healthcare, education and economic avenues especially at a time when the suspended democracy is being revived in true sense by allowing casting of electoral mandate to voters. It therefore calls for a joint responsibility of voters and the politicians to rise to the occasion by electing capable politicians who have capacity to accept innovation and progress and for politicians to rise above party politics and form alliances in the larger interest of the State. There are political parties who have well past records and their election manifestoes are more progressive and practical rather than emotive in words and deeds. Enriched political landscape with varied political options for mandating them electorally with due diligence would usher Jammu and Kashmir on the path of progress and prosperity and this rare opportunity knocking our doors after a long gap of ten years should be availed by each and every voters objectively.
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