M.M. SHUJA
The people of Jammu and Kashmir were made to believe by political parties and their leaders to vote for a government which could solve their problems. Two years back, the people turned up in huge numbers to exercise their right as citizens. In Kashmir, they voted for the regional party, National Conference, while in Jammu they elected the national party, BJP, securing a good number of seats. National Conference, Vice President Omar Abdullah took charge as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Prior to the elections, the leaders of National Conference visited almost every constituency and assured the people of an accountable government. People voted with high hopes and expectations, but promises were also made which looked tough to fulfill, which included the restoration of constitutional provisions which were abrogated, 12 Free LPG cylinders and 200 units of electricity, employment opportunities for the unemployed youth, and many more things. Now, the people are asking the government to give them a two-year report card, but the answer is that they will be provided a performance report at the end of their five-year term.
In fact, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has been criticizing the Centre for not honoring its commitment to give back the status of a state to Jammu and Kashmir. What must be understood here is that the power and authority of the Chief Minister and Council of Ministers in a UT is much lesser than the power of a state government. There has always been one question on everyone’s mind: When the elections had been held in the UT, didn’t the political parties and their leaders know about the powers and restrictions under which the elected government will run? Even if they knew about the powers, how come promises were given which they can’t fulfill? Thus, the impression of being cheated by promises of the sun and moon is created in the minds of people while in reality, there are not much visible achievements. Though there is an elected government in place, confusion still prevails in administration and people’s sufferings are increasing day by day. What an ordinary man should do to solve his problem?
People wanted an accountable government that could help improve the conditions in the region, but they still have not seen any noticeable changes in this respect. The increase in size of the Council of Ministers has also been deferred many times. Meanwhile, the politicians keep issuing press statements in the newspapers, telling people that development is going on. However, what people want is not just promises but results. About two weeks ago, a short autumn session of the Legislative Assembly took place. But it took place amidst slogans, demonstrations and walkouts, and the important issues of the public were not discussed properly in the session. It is in such a chaotic situation that there seems to be a growing divide between the public and political representatives in Jammu and Kashmir. Unemployment is still one of the biggest problems which the territory is facing. The government needs to take certain measures in order to take care of the grievances of the educated and unemployed youth. Mere filing of application forms before the Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board and the JKPSC does not offer any guarantee of getting jobs. The recruitment agencies make large amounts from application fees and other charges paid by the applicants, but the youth of the region still waits eagerly for proper and transparent recruitment. It is the duty not only of the ruling party but also of all the other political parties in Jammu & Kashmir to put aside their political differences and work together for the benefit of the citizens and development of the region. The people have elected their MLAs with the hope that they will voice their issues and contribute to the betterment of their respective constituencies. There should be an urgency on the part of the government and all political parties to resolve the genuine problems of the common people before it gets too late. Otherwise, more delay and broken promises could lead to more frustration among the masses and further loss of confidence in the system of governance in Jammu and Kashmir UT.
The government needs to understand that elections are not just a tool of power but also a responsibility and accountability towards the electorate. The people of J&K need solutions to their problems and some development instead of mere words.
The Author is Senior Journalist/Human Rights Activist, can be reached at mmshuja@gmail.com
