By: Danish Bashir
‘The state of Jammu & Kashmir, for some it is a ‘Princely State’ and for others it is a ‘Paradise on Earth’, but the reality is J&K lays under un-elected authority, grappling with unfamiliar government politics since Aug-2019′
September,2014 was not only the flood year which everyone across the Kashmir valley remembers for its horrific destruction. But it was the year which changed the lives of the valley from Elected to Un-Elected Government. To many people, the massive flood swept away the electoral sparks from J&K alike how paper ashes are brushed in the wind.
Amid the ending of 2014, ECI along with J&K-EC broadcasted local assembly elections for J&K within some time stating ‘Democracy Doesn’t Wait’. Within no time regional politics geared-up, the whole J&K witnessed massive political rallies with majoritarian supporting JKNC and JKPDP.
However, it was unpredicted when JKPDP won 1st majority seats from Kashmir valley, BJP won 2nd majority seats from Jammu division and JKNC lay back at 3rd position, waiting and deeming for coalition.
Later, under the Leadership of Late Mufti Sayed a coalition government was formed by JKPDP and BJP which collapsed in August 2018, when BJP announced its withdrawal from JKPDP affirming unfamiliar issue.
Many Political experts have raised their concerns asserting that the coalition government should have failed in 2016 when the whole valley was under total Unrest. Protests, Killings, Curfew, Blackouts wear at peak after the Killing of a young militant commander in July 2016. Experts also lay claim that it was a policy plan of BJP to cut-off with JKPDP in 2018, as national assembly elections of 2019 where on the head.
Since 2019, the whole J&K has been transformed. From state to Union Territory, from CM’s government to LG Administration. Regional Politics even the people of J&K find themselves unsatisfactory as new policies come up without their accord.
Earlier in this month, Provincial political parties of J&K have won their instance of statehood and concernment of Elections in J&K before Sep-2024 in SCI. Still their favour regarding the Special Status of J&K Article-370 rests unfulfilled.
Now people of J&K are waiting for the day when they will choose their elected representative, a legislature full of fairness to which people can oppose. It is pretty noticeable that 25 of Jan, the day which marks the celebration of national voters’ day have no place in J&K. Right to vote which is a fundamental right given in by the Constitution of India to every Indian under article 326.
In J&K, Administrators come and go; new Policies are made to replace old ones. But the actual secretive right which holds the hopes of all people aren’t yet provided to the people of J&K.
Between every place across the Kashmir valley, the deep-rooted desires remain diminished. The swinging multi-coloured party flags didn’t exist. The big banners of promises are erased. Big names behind political parties aren’t murmuring. The prevailing Slogans aren’t chanting.
In Srinagar, the Legislative House remains soundless, the chairs of Senators roofed with dust, the walls of the house are fainted, dialogue Microphones jammed, the entrances is locked by Government Troopers. Still the house is waiting for the time when Selected Administrator will come and end the current expecting.
It is clear to say that the claim led by Union of India “One nation One Constitution” rests unsuccessful in J&K since from the last 5 years.
Note: – The expressions mentioned in this Opinion piece are the Author’s own and didn’t represent any Organizational beliefs. About the Author, he is from Srinagar and is currently Pursing his BA.LLB in Kashmir University