- No sooner than the normalcy returns vis-à-vis democratic processes in Jammu & Kashmir, the better would be for the general well-being of the region as well as the country. There are simply no ambiguities or apprehensions concerning the matter. The growing incidents of terrorist perpetrated targeted killing of civilians are on the rise which clearly demonstrates attempts by the anti-India elements to thwart normalcy from returning. The Indian Central Government has initiated several apt measures to ensure the democratic process resumes over the last couple of years. However, the sporadic killings targeting innocents are posing quite a challenge to the security establishment. This cannot be allowed to proceed ahead in the region’s overall interests.
PC: Sudeshna Singh
- While the security apparatus is concentrating on neutralizing the terrorists from further perpetrating heinous killings, the Election Commission of India too has initiated a few measures as reported widely. Nonetheless, the processes are not bereft of controversies or questioning from various quarters. As reported lately, the revision of electoral rolls is the latest political controversy emanating from J&K. As you are aware, the revision is a follow-up to the delimitation exercise. Both these follow the nullification of Article 370 in 2019. Three years is a long period by any means without any questions. As such, an increase in the electoral base is not unexpected per se in three years as the citizens entering into eligible criteria are bound to see an upward trajectory.
- Also, to include people who are ordinary residents of J&K just as they are in other states and UTs in India is and should be a part of the attempt to take J&K towards normalcy. In the same vein, to keep voting rights in these UTs more restrictive than in other parts of the Union is to take a step back. That said, the context matters too. The whole point is to give further impetus to the political process, which requires an election where all stakeholders have to accept the mandate. Therefore, EC’s processes should be widely perceived as credible, even more so in J&K with its troubled history. Therefore, it is fair to expect the commission to be open to answering all questions from stakeholders while standing firm on the principle of including ordinary residents on the voters’ list.
PC: Christopher smith
- As expected, some have questioned the quantum of increase. EC must surely explain the numbers and be open to corrections if errors are found. Post-370 J&K polls are a huge job for EC and hence, must be seen as a fair arbiter. Indeed, an election process that’s been seen to be credible will create a credible government, and that government has a huge job. The challenges are monumental as unemployment in the 20-29 age group in J&K is 55%, about twice the national average. Thus, opening up economic opportunities for these jobseekers is integral to the normalization process. Most decisively, the success of integration requires the political buy-in by stakeholders in the Kashmir valley necessitating absolute transparency. Time to act with intent.
