In 2017, I had the opportunity to attend the Bali Democracy Forum in Jakarta, Indonesia. The event gathered diplomats, Indonesian ministers, and student representatives from various countries. During lunch, I met a senior Al-Jazeera journalist from the Arab world. When he learned I was from Kashmir, his reaction piqued my curiosity. He shared that during the 1990s, he had been assigned to cover events in Kashmir. However, upon arrival in India, he and his colleagues were denied entry into the region and deported from New Delhi airport by authorities. Rather than asking me questions, he said he was already well-versed in the Kashmir issue. He concluded by stating that Kashmiris are responsible for their own plight, as they often shift their desires based on circumstances. He also criticized the Kashmiri leadership, accusing them of being selfish and uninterested in truly resolving the issue.
Growing up in Kashmir and witnessing its complexities firsthand, I had long believed this same narrative. The political landscape of Kashmir has been fraught with challenges, and participating in mainstream politics was always difficult, given the separatist movement’s stronghold over public sentiment. The Hurriyat Conference held significant influence, with many people blindly following its directives. Despite this, there were those who supported mainstream political parties. There’s a famous anecdote: when former Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad was asked about the number of people supporting him, the opposition, and the total population of Kashmir, he simply answered “40 lakh” to all three. This reflected the reality that the people of Kashmir often shift allegiances depending on the situation.
Every generation in Kashmir has witnessed shifts in the region’s politics, each one affecting the development of the Valley. Both mainstream political parties and separatist organizations have consistently exploited Kashmiris, feeding them false promises and manipulating them for personal gain. Mainstream parties aligned themselves with the central government, emphasizing their pro-India stance to remain in power, while separatist groups leaned toward Pakistan to influence public sentiment. Unfortunately, it was the common Kashmiri who bore the brunt of this political game. The central government of India never took firm action to stop the chaos, allowing Kashmir to become, as the Al-Jazeera journalist described, a “political business hub.”
This continued until the abrogation of Article 370, a significant turning point in Kashmir’s political landscape. The move led to the downfall of the Hurriyat Conference, curbed Pakistan’s interference, and halted the flow of funds from Pakistan to separatist leaders. This was something Kashmiris had never anticipated, given the repeated assurances from politicians that such a move would never happen. One Kashmiri politician even swore, “I swear by God, no one will dare to abrogate Article 370.” Yet, when it did happen, the political elite scrambled to find new ways to sustain their influence.
In the aftermath of this historic change, we are now seeing surprising developments, such as separatists joining mainstream political parties. This shift was inevitable, as joining the political mainstream is now the only way for them to remain relevant. As a popular Kashmiri saying goes, “WAAW WECHITH NAAW TRAWIN,” meaning “Strike the iron while it is hot.” With elections approaching, voter turnout is expected to surpass previous records, as demonstrated by the high participation in recent parliamentary elections.
It is crucial for the people of Kashmir to learn from past mistakes and experiences. Politicians often switch allegiances based on personal interests, so voters must carefully choose leaders who are genuinely committed to the region’s welfare. Voters should support candidates known for their honesty, education, and ability to lead. Many established politicians have a history of broken promises, and it is time for voters to recognize the power of their vote in shaping the region’s future. An elected leader, unlike a bureaucrat who simply passed an exam, must earn the respect and trust of the people through their actions. Too often, Kashmiris elect unqualified or opportunistic politicians who turn to politics as a last resort. Voters need to be mindful of this when making their choices.
Now is the time for Kashmiris to elect young, educated leaders who can bring meaningful development and progress to the region. It is essential to move away from leaders who are primarily focused on personal gain and instead support those who are dedicated to the betterment of the Valley.
In conclusion, the abrogation of Article 370 has triggered a major shift in Kashmir’s political environment. This moment presents a vital opportunity for Kashmiris to rethink their electoral decisions and choose leaders who prioritize the region’s future. By learning from past experiences and rejecting self-serving politicians, the people of Kashmir can create a stable and prosperous future. The power to bring about real change lies in the hands of the electorate, and it is through their thoughtful voting choices that Kashmir’s potential can be fully realized.
Syed Zameer Raza Safvi
Author is a freelance writer, can be reached at
Raza.zameer@gmail.com
