- The state of Jammu & Kashmir which came into existence last year August after the abrogation of Article 370 has endured tremendous upheavals not only in terms of political churnings but also socio-economic alterations as well. Soon after the move, prominent political leaders from different parties were placed under house arrest for a prolonged period and subsequently freed only after the intervention of the Supreme Court. The National Conference and the People’s Democratic Party headed by well-known leaders though kept demanding restoration of the repealed law, the Union Government stood its ground to move ahead democratically.
PC: Navashree Nandini
- The first such move towards normalization of the charged-up atmosphere was the announcement of eight phase District Development Council elections which were conducted peacefully and successfully in the last few weeks. Initial talks of boycotting the elections altogether eventually paved the way for participation from all the three major political parties. One significant outcome before the elections was the forging of a coalition between the NC and the PDP alongside other smaller parties named as People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) a conglomerate formed to challenge the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- Results announced lately for the council polls have seen the PAGD gain a majority. Reports emerging suggest the alliance has won or is leading in 110 out of the 280 seats across 20 districts denoting the alliance will have control of nine councils, all in the Kashmir Valley. Significantly, the BJP has emerged as the single largest party by winning or leading in at least 75 seats giving the party control of six councils in the Jammu region, its traditional stronghold. The party has won three seats in Kashmir delighting the saffron brigade on the success.
PC: thehindubusinessline
- Also, Congress and NC are likely to win control of four councils in Jammu, while independents are picking up 50 seats. Looked at any angle, the first polls undertaken after the nullification of Article 370 of the Constitution revoking the J & K’s special status were successful. A turnout of 51% is substantial denoting the people’s wish to move on with their lives despite regional political parties making concerted efforts at whipping up people’s frenzy promising restoration of the repealed status. Now that the polls are behind us, the Union Government should step up efforts towards normalization in J&K.
- The suffocating deployment of heavy security apparatus is imperative but strategically reducing the overwhelming presence of soldiers could be duly considered as threats emanating from Pakistan as well as China cannot be discounted. Since the funding is directly controlled by the Centre through the District Development Councils as envisaged, the Union Government should ensure adequate resources are devolved for meaningful empowerment of Councils. Most importantly, easing of curbs especially facilitating the resumption of high-speed mobile internet connectivity should be prioritized as advantages of online showed during the pandemic.
- Needless to mention, the continued restrictions on high-speed mobile connectivity will only further create hardships for students, businesses, and the lifeline of the J&K, the tourism sector. Democracy has triumphed amidst challenges. Normalcy should return as the entire nation expects heaven on earth to seamlessly merge into the mainstream quickly.
