Ramiz Bhat
The recent election in Jammu & Kashmir was not just about Omar Abdullah or his National Conference party. It was a deeper, unspoken message from the people of Kashmir, expressing their collective voice and identity. Omar Abdullah and his party are merely political figures floating in the space created by the people’s will. The first step for Omar, or anyone in his position, should be to recognize this truth and remain loyal to it. His statements thus far seem to reflect an understanding of this, but only time and his future actions will reveal whether he truly grasps what matters most to Kashmiris.
What matters most to the people of Kashmir is their shared identity and collective sense of belonging. Whether referred to as Kashmiris, Kashmiri Muslims, or Muslims in Kashmir, this unified identity is deeply ingrained in their history and remains vibrant and resilient today.
The abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A was not just a constitutional change; it was seen as an attack on this very sense of peoplehood. The bifurcation of Jammu & Kashmir into two Union Territories was not merely administrative; it was an attempt to diminish the Kashmiri Muslim identity. The fact that Jammu was not similarly divided reveals a deeper strategy. If the Kashmir Valley were to become a separate entity, it would signify the consolidation of a Muslim-majority region, something the government sought to prevent.
When the Kashmiri population used their vote to express unity, they were pitted against a similar consolidation in Jammu, where Hindu-majority sentiment plays a powerful role. This tension is not new; historically, Jammu has been positioned as a counterbalance to the political influence of Kashmiri Muslims. The recent calls for unity between Jammu and Kashmir, which Omar Abdullah has addressed with caution, reflect this ongoing strategy. The resolution passed in India’s Parliament in August 2019, which led to the abrogation of Article 370, was not just a legal act. It was the culmination of a process that views Hindus as victims and Muslims as the aggressors.
For Omar Abdullah, the question of whether to prioritize the restoration of statehood or to focus on reversing the abrogation of Article 370 is more about political symbolism. Unfortunately, the people of Kashmir often find themselves caught up in such symbolic gestures, both in their religious expressions and political actions.
However, it’s essential to momentarily set aside Omar Abdullah and the National Conference and reflect on the larger forces that brought Kashmir’s politics to this juncture. Despite some expectations that the BJP would emerge victorious and use the election results to advance its agenda, the opposite occurred. The Kashmiri people’s shared sense of being under threat led them to vote in a way that brought Omar Abdullah back into the political spotlight. But this moment is not just about him; it’s a chance for the people of Kashmir to think deeply about their next steps. Instead of placing the entire burden on one leader or one party, Kashmiris can collectively consolidate their thoughts and strategies.
This task is challenging and requires leadership at multiple levels—leadership that values humility, anonymity, and service to the greater good without expecting material rewards. Those who care about the future of Kashmir understand that any confrontational approach will only harm the community. In the current political climate, Kashmiri Muslims are highly vulnerable and lack significant power. This is not the time for rash actions or provocations.
Rather than constantly pressuring Omar Abdullah to focus on statehood restoration or Article 370, it would be wiser to encourage him and his party to engage the people in meaningful dialogue. True political negotiation depends on the balance of power, and while the J&K Assembly may be weak, the people of Kashmir are even weaker. This powerlessness has deep roots, and it’s crucial to reflect on what has led to this situation. By creating a charged atmosphere around statehood and Article 370, we risk repeating the same mistakes of the past.
The primary focus for both the Kashmiri people and Omar Abdullah should be to prevent the narrative of a Jammu-Hindu versus Kashmiri-Muslim conflict from escalating. This is a dangerous division that could lead to even greater crises. Any misstep in this direction could have serious consequences. If Kashmiris take on an apologetic stance or shoulder the entire blame, they will be doing a disservice to themselves. Conversely, if they fall into the trap of engaging in verbal battles with BJP representatives from Jammu, they risk igniting communal riots, which could close the small political window of opportunity created by this election.
Ultimately, the issue is not about simply choosing between statehood and Article 370, nor is it a simple decision for Omar Abdullah. This is not a time for symbolism; the substance of Kashmiri identity is under threat. The people must be vigilant and avoid normalizing the changes that have been imposed on them.
In closing, while meeting celebrities like cricketers and Bollywood stars might generate media attention, what truly matters is engaging with the people away from the spotlight. That is where the real political substance lies.
The author is a freelancer specialising in political analysis and can be reached at ramizspeaks77@gmail.com
