Contrasting realities: How democracy is flourishing in Kashmir, while PoK burns

In the surreal theatre of international politics, Pakistan’s portrayal of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as a utopian paradise is nothing short of laughable. This farcical narrative is consistently undermined by the grim reality on the ground. Despite the heavy-handed tactics of law enforcement, the hapless citizens of PoK continue to rise in protest against the non-availability of essential commodities and the blatant discrimination they endure daily.

Pakistan’s cynical branding of PoK as ‘Azad’ Kashmir is a cruel joke that the global community sees right through. The harsh truth is that PoK is anything but independent, a fact underscored by the tragic events in Muzaffarabad. As protests over skyrocketing prices of food, fuel, and other basic necessities reached a boiling point, Pakistani paramilitary rangers responded with tear gas and live ammunition, leaving three civilians dead and six injured. The unrest erupted when a convoy of rangers was pelted with stones, highlighting the desperation and frustration of the local populace.

The government’s attempt to placate the protesters with a PKR 23 billion subsidy, which reduced the price of flour and electricity tariffs, proved too little, too late. Videos circulating on social media paint a vivid picture of the chaos: vehicles set ablaze and chants of ‘Azadi’ echoing through the streets, a bitter cry for freedom from Pakistan’s oppressive grip. The reduction in the price of flour from PKR 3,100 to PKR 2,000 per 40 kg and the adjusted electricity tariffs—ranging from PKR 3 to PKR 6 per unit for residential use—do little to alleviate the deep-seated issues of poverty and neglect.

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The people of PoK are not only denied freedom of expression but are also subjected to systemic discrimination, evident in the glaring deficiencies in infrastructure and basic amenities.

Contrastingly, across the border in Jammu and Kashmir, democracy is taking root and flourishing. Following the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to the region, a new chapter of democratic engagement has begun. Recent elections have witnessed a remarkable voter turnout, signaling a robust endorsement of democratic processes and a hopeful future. This stark juxtaposition with PoK underscores the profound differences in governance and human rights between the two regions.

In a historic shift, constituencies traditionally marred by low voter participation showed a significant increase. Srinagar and Baramulla, infamous for their dismal voting records, saw a turnout of 38.49 per cent and 59.10 per cent, respectively. Even Sopore, a hotbed of separatist activity within Baramulla district, recorded over 44 per cent voter participation. South Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts, long under the shadow of militancy, experienced an extraordinary jump in turnout, with 43 per cent and 47 pe rcent voting, compared to a mere one and two percent in the 2019 general elections.

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As the political fervor shifts to the Anantnag-Rajouri seat, scheduled for May 25, the newly delimited constituency stretching across the Pir Panjal range is poised for a fierce contest. The BJP, backing Apni Party’s Zafar Iqbal Manhas, faces off against PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti and National Conference’s Mian Altaf. This high-stakes battle has captivated the region, bringing unprecedented energy to the election season.

As Kashmir braces for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the stakes have never been higher. The constituencies of Srinagar, Baramulla, and the newly-carved Anantnag-Rajouri are shaping up to be intense battlegrounds, each with its unique political dynamics and key players vying for dominance.

Established in 1962, the Srinagar parliamentary seat spans five districts—Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal, Pulwama, and Shopian—with an electorate exceeding 1.74 million voters across 21 assembly segments. The National Conference (NC), aiming to retain this critical seat, faces formidable opposition from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Apni Party (AP).

Leading the charge for the NC is Aga Ruhullah, a former cabinet minister and influential Shia cleric. Backed by the Congress and the Awami National Conference, Ruhullah.

The PDP’s contender, Waheed Parra, president of its youth wing, brings a narrative of resilience and resistance. His campaign pivots on his three-year incarceration following arrests by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on terror-related charges. Parra’s story of personal struggle against state machinery has garnered sympathy and support, particularly among the youth.

On the other side, the JK Apni Party, led by former education minister Altaf Bukhari, has fielded Mohammad Ashraf Mir. With backing from Sajad Lone’s JK People’s Conference, Mir’s candidacy represents a coalition of interests seeking to carve out a new political space in Kashmir. His campaign focuses on pragmatic governance and economic development, appealing to voters tired of ideological battles.

In Baramulla, the contest has turned personal and intense. Sajad Gani Lone, chairman of the People’s Conference (PC), is not just competing for votes but is engaged in a war of words with National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah. Lone’s characterization of Abdullah as a “tourist” in Kashmir underscores the deep-seated rivalries and regional loyalties that define this race.

The Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, redrawn after delimitation, presents a unique electoral challenge as it bridges both the Kashmir and Jammu regions. Here, the seasoned Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP faces off against NC’s Altaf Mian, each bringing distinct strengths to the table.

Mufti’s stronghold in Anantnag and Kulgam is bolstered by her engagement with separatist sentiments. However, her polarising figure also faces significant resistance. Her main rival, Altaf, leverages his influence among tribal communities and the institutional support of the NC and Congress alliance under the I.N.D.I.A. bloc, enhancing his chances significantly.

The demographic diversity of this constituency, with its mix of urban, rural, and tribal populations, adds layers of complexity to the electoral calculus. Rajouri and Poonch’s tribal voters could be a decisive factor, making every vote count in this highly competitive race.

The winds of change are sweeping through the Kashmir Valley, bringing with them a resurgence of democratic participation and civic engagement. In a region once marred by violence and fear, the transformation is nothing short of remarkable. The recent surge in voter turnout, particularly in the traditionally volatile districts of Budgam, Pulwama, and Shopian, signifies a new chapter in the story of Kashmir.

Historically, these areas were known as the badlands of the Valley, where radical influences and militant threats deterred people from participating in elections. From grenade blasts to the kidnapping of political workers, all manners of intimidation were used to prevent electoral participation. Parliamentary polls were especially targeted, while local elections like assembly, panchayat, and municipal polls saw relatively higher turnouts due to their focus on local issues and development.

However, the landscape has dramatically shifted. Tourism is booming, investment funds are flowing in, and youth aspirations are soaring. Notably, there hasn’t been a single call for a “bandh” in recent years. This shift can be attributed to the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which opened a new chapter for Jammu and Kashmir. The fear of violence and intimidation has dissipated, allowing democracy to take root and flourish.

In contrast, PoK is burning. While the Valley is buzzing with rallies, roadshows, and day to day conversations centered around elections, PoK is gripped by protests and unrest. The stark difference highlights the effectiveness of India’s approach under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. Modi has prioritised national interests over party lines, ensuring that terrorism and stone-pelting are crushed, and the people are free to exercise their democratic rights without fear.

Consider the statistics: areas like Uri, Tangdhar, and Machil, which have historically shown strong pro-India sentiment with turnouts exceeding 70 percent, are now leading the charge towards an overall average voter turnout of 50 percent across the Valley. This resurgence of voter participation is not just a number; it symbolises the reclaiming of democratic space by the people of Kashmir.

The absence of threats and violence during the recent elections is a testament to the changed environment. There was a time when polling booths were targets for attacks, and voters faced dire consequences for participating in the democratic process. The Army would be relentlessly pursuing terrorists in South Kashmir during election seasons. Today, those days seem like a distant, dark era. People vote freely, and conversations about separatism are fading into history.

The BJP’s decision not to field candidates in the Valley constituencies, signaling its willingness to work with local parties, reflects a significant level of trust and a commitment to collaborative governance. This approach has contributed to the peaceful and vibrant election atmosphere, fostering a sense of inclusivity and unity.

BJP senior leader Sunil Sharma has extended a warm welcome to the decision of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir to enter mainstream politics, underlining the importance of adherence to legal frameworks. Designated as an unlawful organization in 2019 under the anti-terror law UAPA, Jamaat-e-Islami was recognized as a driving force behind the separatist movement in Kashmir and an ideological mentor to terrorist outfits such as Hizbul Mujahideen. This significant shift in Jamaat’s stance, from advocating separatist ideology to embracing mainstream politics, stands as a notable achievement for the central government, particularly in the midst of general elections.

As Kashmir embraces this democratic renaissance, the upcoming assembly polls, potentially scheduled before the end of September, will be the true litmus test. The current electoral buzz, the high voter turnout, and the peaceful conduct of elections are indicative of a society moving forward, leaving behind the shadows of conflict and stepping into a brighter, democratic future. This transformation underscores the success of India’s policies in Kashmir and sets a hopeful precedent for the region’s continued progress and stability.

The author is a practicing advocate. She writes articles on women’s rights, politics, and law. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.