The message that Kashmir local body elections convey (English Version) Rakshak News 31 Oct 18
http://www.rakshaknews.com/vishesh/need-to-understand-signals-from-the-valley-body-elections
The message that Kashmir local body elections convey (English Version) Rakshak News 31 Oct 18
The recently concluded local body elections in J and K had a mixed voter turnout. The Ladakh region had over 60% polling, Jammu witnessed near 70% and Kashmir valley had a mixed pattern of voting, varying between different regions of the valley and providing an average of approximately 4.5%. This vast difference across the state does project disparity and disagreements within the regions. Jammu and Ladakh would be more than wiling to be separate states or union territories, rather than remain a part of J and K.
Within the valley too, the voting pattern varied. There was almost no turnout in South Kashmir, which presently has the highest density of militants. Only 1.2% votes were cast and almost 20 municipalities had no candidates. Central Kashmir had a mixed percentage. Budgam recorded 17%, while the lowest was Srinagar in the region with a turnout of 3%. The average being around 5%. North Kashmir was much higher with an average of 16%. In this region Sopore witnessed 3%, while Kupwara had around 36%.
An analysis of the results would indicate a few trends which could be exploited for the future. Firstly, calls for boycott affected only parts of the valley. Thus, the supposed area of stronghold of the separatists is waning. It appears restricted to South Kashmir and Srinagar with a few other pockets including Sopore. The average Kashmiri is tired of calls for hartals and bandhs. He seeks peace and development. Secondly, the non-participation of the PDP and NC did not deter voters across the state. These parties would henceforth be careful before taking such decisions.
There were reasons for the large variation in voting between different regions of the valley, threat by terrorists being one of the key factors, more pronounced in South Kashmir viz-a-viz any other region. The two main valley political parties, PDP and NC boycotted the polls on the excuse of the central government clarifying its stand on Article 35A, which is presently being contested in the Supreme court. The other reason was the unwillingness of their cadre to stand for elections fearing militant threats.
With the withdrawal of these parties, many new educated independent candidates participated and won. They conveyed the message that the best way to serve the people of the region is to join politics and participate in the development process. They did so aware that their own lives are at risk.
The elections opened the entry of the BJP into the valley, which may not have been possible had mainstream political parties participated. The high level of voting in parts of the valley also indicated the belief of the local population on the democratic process. It also indicated their desire for peace from the barrel of the militant’s gun. Except where there was a direct threat to their lives by the diktat of militants, people did come out in reasonable numbers and vote. It did set the poor pattern of voting in the last Lok Sabha elections on the backburner.
The heavy deployment by security forces and limited cordon and search operations prior to the elections changed the environment and enhanced faith in security agencies. The state can ensure peace when it puts its mind behind the same.
The successful conduct of the elections was an indicator that except where forced, locals are keen to participate in the democratic process and continue to have faith in the national leadership. The impression being projected by the media, seeking to gain viewership of an anti-national stance in the valley, must now change. The security forces have been able to change the narrative as it exists in a large part of the region and would continue doing so.
Valley based political parties and separatists demanding autonomy and independence should take the hint from the levels of voting and realize that the truth is different from what they project. Part of the youth may be influenced by their calls, but not the majority. Pak should also open its eyes to the reality of the region and understand that other than some districts in South Kashmir, where militancy continues to prevail, most other regions seek development and peace and desire to remain Indian.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army