Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir stands on the brink of a crucial moment as it prepares for its first Legislative Assembly elections since the controversial abrogation of Article 370. Scheduled from September 18 to October 1, 2024, with results expected on October 8th, this election is seen as a pivotal juncture for the region’s future.
The upcoming polls are not merely a transition of power; they represent a critical opportunity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir to reshape their political landscape after the dissolution of their statehood and the creation of two Union Territories in 2019. Mohammad Aslam from Mattan Anantnag emphasizes the need for careful selection of candidates to preserve the region’s social harmony. “We should choose our candidates wisely and stop forces harmful to our social fabric,” he warns.
Concerns about communal divides
The election will restore local governance to Jammu and Kashmir, with a chief minister and council of ministers taking over from the direct control of New Delhi. This setup mirrors the region’s previous governance structure before 2018.
Amid rising tensions, residents of the Muslim-majority Kashmir have expressed concerns about communal divides exacerbated by the current central government. Aslam accuses the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of instigating divisions between communities that once coexisted peacefully. “We were living peacefully with the Hindus (Pandits), but the present regime at the center is provoking them against the Muslim community,” he says.
As the election approaches, there are whispers of BJP proxy candidates attempting to gain a foothold in the valley, raising fears of potential communal tensions if not carefully monitored. “We need to stop them; otherwise, you will see communal riots like in the rest of the country. They are spreading hatred and want to politicize religion,” he warns.
Locals still vocal about their desire to restore Article 370
The three-phase election will see 7,74,462 registered voters choosing new leaders, a crucial step for a population that has been waiting for local representation since the region’s special status was revoked. Many residents, like Syed Mohsin, a college student, express cautious optimism, stressing the importance of voting wisely to avoid further erosion of their rights. “We need to use our vote very carefully. If we fail this time to choose our representatives, we will be left with nothing, and our rights will be taken away,” Mohsin cautions.
In Chanapora, Srinagar, locals are vocal about their desire to restore Article 370 and address unresolved issues through their elected representatives. The general mood reflects a mix of hope and skepticism, with residents voicing frustration over the governor administration’s perceived ineffectiveness in tackling local problems. “We want Article 370 back because our rights were eroded. This election is our chance to send our representatives to the assembly and get our issues resolved,” they say.
Shahid Hussain, a driver, shares his experiences of living under what he describes as a “military raj,” with frequent army checks causing inconvenience and frustration on the national highway. He hopes the election will alleviate some of these pressures and improve conditions, particularly for the driving community struggling under new regulations during the movement of army convoys on the highway.
