Vote Restores Hope to Kashmir, But Modi's Still in Charge: Chief Minister Abdullah Needs LG's Approval for Major Decisions

Vote Restores Hope to Kashmir, But Modi’s Still in Charge: Chief Minister Abdullah Needs LG’s Approval for Major Decisions

Kashmir’s Political Landscape: Elections Restore Hope, But Modi’s Government Retains Control

By: Javid Amin
This year’s local elections in India’s northernmost territory of Jammu and Kashmir were the first since the national government controversially stripped the region of its semi-autonomous status in 2019. They were also the first local elections in Muslim- majority Kashmir since 2014. It was a significant moment for the region, as the election will restore, at least partially, some degree of self-rule five years after Prime Minister Narendra Modi took it away.

Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was delivered a resounding defeat when the official results were released this week. The alliance between the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) and the Indian National Congress won 48 seats in the 90-seat regional legislature. The BJP won 29, mostly in the Hindu- Majority Jammu region. The former chief minister, Omar Abdullah, was also reinstated as leader. This was a surprising turn given that he lost his race for a seat in the Lok Sabha, the lower house of parliament, in the national elections a few months ago.

What’s Changed?

Elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been affected in the past by boycotts and low voter turnout, due largely to public mistrust of the government. There was also a sense of betrayal after Modi’s government revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution. This had granted special privileges to local residents and given the region its own constitution and ability to make its own laws.

However, voter turnout in this year’s election reached 64%. The participation of separatists and independent candidates suggested a change in attitude toward the political process. For the BJP, the elections are evidence that normality has returned to Kashmir after years of ongoing violence. Modi said in a tweet: “Many people claimed that Jammu and Kashmir would burn if Article 370 was abrogated. However, it didn’t burn, it blossomed.”

Modi had promised during the campaign that “statehood” would be restored, though he suggested this would be realized only if the BJP was victorious. With Modi’s opposition winning, some believed the election to have been a de-facto referendum on the territory’s special status.

Promises and Realities

The JKNC has always opposed the revocation of Article 370 and the stripping of Kashmir’s autonomy. The party has promised to work toward restoring that special status, as well as repealing the draconian Public Safety Act, which allows for the detention of people for up to two years without charge, and seeking amnesty for prisoners.

In reality, however, the result won’t undo the revocation of Article 370. The new local assembly will have the power to make and amend laws, debate local issues, and approve decisions for the territory, particularly in education and culture. But Abdullah will still need to seek the federally appointed lieutenant governor’s approval on any major decisions.

Even if many Kashmiris would like to prevent the BJP from extending its reach into the region, the party still maintains some control from New Delhi. The BJP expanded the lieutenant governor’s powers over public order and policing. The lieutenant governor also has control over the regional anti- corruption bureau and the Directorate of Public Prosecutions. These powers were heavily criticized by the opposition parties in the region.

Future of Democracy?

In recent years, Indian security forces have cracked down on the news media, social media, and other forms of communication throughout the region, singling out in particular any forms of Kashmiri solidarity with Palestine. Human rights advocates say abuses and repression continue in the region, and the climate of fear has had a detrimental impact on Kashmiri life.

Statehood remains one of the biggest grievances for Kashmiri residents. Abdullah said himself that “restoration of full, undiluted statehood for [Jammu and Kashmir] is a prerequisite for these elections.” Only time will tell if these demands can be addressed, but there is hope a new local government might begin to change the bleak situation in Kashmir.

As I said in a recent podcast, there is optimism the new government will go a long way toward restoring some level of autonomy in Kashmir, as long as it is not obstructed by the lieutenant governor’s new powers.

Historical Context

The revocation of Article 370 in August 2019 was a watershed moment in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. The article had granted the region special autonomy, allowing it to have its own constitution and make its own laws. The decision to revoke it was met with widespread protests and condemnation, both within the region and internationally.

The move was seen by many as an attempt to integrate Jammu and Kashmir more closely with the rest of India, but it also led to fears of demographic changes and loss of cultural identity. The region was placed under a strict lockdown, with communication channels cut off and political leaders detained.

Impact on Daily Life

The revocation of Article 370 and the subsequent lockdown had a profound impact on the daily lives of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Businesses were shuttered, schools were closed, and access to healthcare was severely restricted. The economic impact was devastating, with many people losing their livelihoods.

The recent elections have brought a glimmer of hope, but the challenges remain. The new government will need to address the economic and social issues that have plagued the region for years. This includes creating job opportunities, improving infrastructure, and ensuring access to education and healthcare.

Political Landscape

The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is complex and multifaceted. The region has a long history of political unrest and conflict, with various groups vying for power and influence. The recent elections have added another layer of complexity, with the JKNC and the Indian National Congress forming an alliance to counter the BJP’s influence.

The role of the lieutenant governor is also a contentious issue. The position was created after the revocation of Article 370, and it has been criticized for undermining the authority of the elected government. The lieutenant governor has significant powers, including control over public order and policing, which has led to concerns about the erosion of democratic principles.

Voices from the Ground

The voices of the people of Jammu and Kashmir are crucial in understanding the impact of the recent elections. Many residents have expressed hope that the new government will bring positive change, but there is also skepticism about whether the promises made during the campaign will be fulfilled.

“I voted for change,” says Sameer, a young voter from Srinagar. “We have suffered for too long, and we need a government that will listen to us and address our issues. But I am also aware that the central government still holds a lot of power, and that worries me.”

International Perspective

The situation in Jammu and Kashmir has attracted international attention, with various countries and organizations expressing concern about the human rights situation in the region. The United Nations has called for the protection of the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir and has urged the Indian government to engage in dialogue with all stakeholders.

The recent elections have been seen as a positive step, but the international community will be watching closely to see how the new government addresses the challenges facing the region. The restoration of statehood and the protection of human rights will be key issues that will determine the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

Bottom-Line

The recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir have brought a sense of hope and optimism to the region. The victory of the JKNC and the Indian National Congress alliance is seen as a rejection of the BJP’s policies and a call for the restoration of autonomy. However, the challenges remain, and the new government will need to navigate a complex political landscape to bring about meaningful change.

The role of the lieutenant governor and the central government will be crucial in determining the future of the region. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have made their voices heard, and it is now up to the elected leaders to fulfill their promises and work towards a brighter future.

As the region moves forward, the hope for a brighter future persists. The election results may have brought new leadership, but the journey to overcoming the challenges facing Jammu and Kashmir is far from over. The new government has a mandate to bring about positive change, and it is now up to them to deliver on their promises and restore the faith of the people in the democratic process. Inputs 

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