Siraj ud din Salam
The political landscape in Kashmir has been fraught with tension, manipulation, and suffering since 1947. While the common people of Kashmir continue to bear the brunt of the on-going conflict, many argue that the region’s political parties—particularly the National Conference (NC), the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and the Indian National Congress (INC)—have historically contributed to, and even benefited from, this suffering.
The Legacy of the National Conference (NC)
The National Conference (NC), one of the oldest political parties in Kashmir, was founded by Sheikh Abdullah in 1932. The party initially positioned itself as a voice for the people of Kashmir, advocating for autonomy and self-determination. However, over the decades, critics argue that the NC has strayed from its original ideals, becoming more concerned with maintaining power than addressing the needs of the Kashmiri people.
Sheikh Abdullah’s alignment with India post-1947, and later his arrest and subsequent compromises, are seen by many as a betrayal of the Kashmiri cause. The NC has been accused of using the autonomy debate as a bargaining chip to stay in power, while doing little to alleviate the suffering of the people. The party’s involvement in election rigging in 1987 is often cited as a catalyst for the insurgency that followed, plunging Kashmir into a cycle of violence from which it has yet to recover.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP): A New Dawn or Old Tricks?
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) was founded in 1999 by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, a former Congressman and Union Home Minister. The PDP emerged as a party promising to bring “healing touch” to the people of Kashmir. However, many argue that the PDP has followed a similar path to the NC, using the promise of peace and development as a means to gain power, without delivering substantive change.
The PDP’s alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in 2015 was particularly controversial. While the party claimed that the alliance was necessary to bring development to Kashmir, many viewed it as a betrayal of the PDP’s core voter base, which largely opposed the BJP’s policies. The coalition’s tenure was marked by increased unrest.
The Role of the Indian National Congress (INC)
The Indian National Congress (INC) has played a significant role in Kashmir’s history, from its early involvement in the accession of Jammu and Kashmir to India, to its more recent political manoeuvring’s. While the Congress has often portrayed itself as a party committed to secularism and democracy, its record in Kashmir tells a more complicated story.
The Congress’s alliance with the NC in the past, and its role in the imposition of central rule in Kashmir at various points, has been criticized for undermining democracy in the region. The Congress has also been accused of failing to address the root causes of unrest in Kashmir, instead focusing on short-term political gains. For instance, the party’s decision to support the dismissal of Farooq Abdullah’s government in 1984 is seen by many as an example of its willingness to destabilize the region for political advantage.
The Political Exploitation of Kashmiri Suffering: A Critical Perspective
The Legacy of Political Exploitation
For decades, the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has been dominated by parties like the NC and PDP, with the Congress playing a significant role in the region’s governance at the national level. These parties have frequently leveraged the Kashmir issue to gain political mileage, both within the region and across India. They have used the emotional and physical turmoil of the Kashmiri people as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the central government and as a means to consolidate power.
The promises of autonomy, special status, and economic development have often fallen flat, as these political parties have failed to deliver substantial and lasting improvements to the lives of ordinary Kashmiris. Instead, they have presided over a region characterized by economic stagnation, high unemployment, and a lack of basic amenities, all while enjoying the perks and privileges of political power.
Basic Amenities during Lieutenant Governor’s Rule
The imposition of President’s Rule and the subsequent establishment of Lieutenant Governor’s (LG) Rule in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, brought significant administrative changes to the region. During this period, many Kashmiris experienced improvements in basic amenities and governance that had long been neglected by previous political regimes.
Under the direct administration of the central government, there has been a renewed focus on infrastructure development, the provision of electricity, water supply, healthcare, and education. Roads that were once in disrepair have been improved, power cuts have reduced, and healthcare facilities have seen upgrades. These are the very basic services that politicians like those in NC, PDP, and Congress often promised but rarely delivered effectively.
The Question of Political Relevance
With the central administration managing to deliver on these basic needs, it raises a fundamental question: What extra have the regional politicians provided to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that justifies their role? If the LG administration can ensure the delivery of essential services without the involvement of local political parties, what value do these politicians add?
The answer, for many Kashmiris, is disheartening. The political class has often been seen as more interested in maintaining their power and influence rather than genuinely improving the lives of their constituents. The provision of basic amenities during LG Rule has exposed the inefficacies of these political parties and has led to growing disillusionment among the population.
The Way Forward
As Jammu and Kashmir moves forward, it is crucial to reflect on the role that politicians have played in the region’s history. The suffering of the common and poor Kashmiris should no longer be used as a tool for political gain. The focus must shift from empty promises and political rhetoric to tangible improvements in the quality of life for all residents.
For the political parties that have governed the region, this is a moment of reckoning. They must reassess their approach, prioritize the needs of the people, and work towards sustainable development that goes beyond mere lip service. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve leadership that genuinely cares about their welfare, not just during elections but throughout their tenure.
The time has come for a new political paradigm in Jammu and Kashmir—one where the focus is on delivering real change, where the suffering of the people is not a means to an end, but a problem to be solved with compassion, competence, and commitment.
Conclusion
The political history of Kashmir is a stark reminder of how leaders can exploit a region’s suffering for their own gain. The NC, PDP, Congress, and other political entities have, at various points, benefited from the ongoing conflict and unrest in Kashmir, often at the expense of the very people they claim to represent. As long as political survival takes precedence over genuine efforts to address the needs and aspirations of the Kashmiri people, the cycle of suffering is likely to continue.
Siraj ud din Salam and author can be reached at siraj.office@yahoo.in
