Threats by valley political parties (English Version) Rakshak news 12 Sep 18
On 8th Sep Farooq Abdullah stated that his party, the National Conference (NC), would neither participate in the forthcoming Municipal and Panchayat elections, as also the Lok Sabha elections due next year. He wanted the government to clear its stand on Article 35A prior to it changing its decision. It was closely followed by Mehbooba two days later, who only referred to non-participation in local elections. This action is clearly a blackmail as their non-participation in the forthcoming elections would impair the conduct of the polls.
Officially the case is sub-judice and the final decision remains with the apex court. The hearing has presently been postponed to January next year, based on a request from the state and centre. Thus, the court would only consider the matter, post the Municipal and Panchayat polls.
Different parts of the state have been projecting a different stand on the issue. Violence against the hearing in the apex court has only flowed from the valley. Even within the valley, majority of the population remain unconcerned, those who indulge in violence are some sections of the youth, either financed or influenced by the separatists. Jammu and Ladakh appear keen for its removal.
Farooq and Mehbooba are aware that even with the present status of the article all state residents are entitled to migrate or procure property anywhere in the state. Yet the migration has only been in the reverse, from the valley outwards, rather than inwards. Multiple colonies of Kashmiri Muslims have emerged in the Jammu region.
Farooq by taking the first step envisaged that this step would pay him immense dividends. It would win him support in the valley, the only area which concerns him. He is aware that without the participation of the NC, the elections may not be considered as free and fair and the government would hesitate. He also knows that he has no grip in either Jammu or Ladakh, hence seeks to concentrate in the valley alone. The PDP, which was in alliance with the BJP till recently, realized that it had to follow suit, albeit gave different reasons.
The separatists who have been objecting to the article being discussed by the courts have suddenly received support from unexpected quarters. The same Farooq whom they recently criticized for shouting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ has joined them on the same page. Mehbooba, who has maintained a quiet communication with them has joined the chorus. Hence, for the moment they have no reason to consider PDP and NC as being against the interests of the valley.
Another reason is that considering the change in militant strategy to targeting valley political leaders and locals instead of the security forces, there is a lack of enthusiasm within party workers. Both parties fear that unless candidates are forthcoming, they would cut a sorry figure, hence sought an easy way out, knowing no answer would be forthcoming from the government.
The BJP which has maintained a steadied silence on the issue, avoiding stating its preferred position may be compelled to announce its stance. For the BJP, successful conduct of the municipal and Panchayat elections would be in their favour when it comes to the 2019 general elections. Thus, it would have to engage with both parties in some manner.
The failure to hold these elections due to lack of political participation would have an adverse impact. The BJP is keen to break into the valley while retaining its hold over the Jammu belt, hence is walking a tight rope on the subject.
For the security forces, seeking to create the right environment for elections this may be a setback. The GOC 15 Corps had recently stated that the army would enhance its intensity of operations to ensure a conducive environment for conduct of polls. Thus, lack of active participation would impact the additional efforts being undertaken.
The ultimate sufferers would be the local population. Even those who have no specific interest in the issue, aware that nothing would change, would now be compelled to think that it does bear merit. Further, delay in holding elections would only impact development and resolution of local problems.
Mehbooba and Farooq should realize that their action is undermining democracy, which is essential for resolution of all issues.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army