Peerzada Masarat
In Jammu and Kashmir, a land of mountains and political divides, the battle isn’t just about winning elections—it’s about holding the region together emotionally and politically. After the 2024 Assembly elections, the National Conference (NC) is celebrating its victory in the Kashmir Valley, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is likely cheering in Jammu. But this divide between the two regions mirrors not just the geographic separation but an emotional one. The big question now is whether these two areas can be brought closer together or if the gap between them will grow too wide to bridge.
Let’s face it: Jammu and Kashmir have never been more divided. For those who believe in “unity in diversity,” the latest political map of the region looks like a breakup. Jammu wants one thing, Kashmir another, and Ladakh? They’ve already left, becoming their own Union Territory. Yet, we still expect these regions to act like one family, even when it’s clear they’ve started to make separate plans for the future.
The National Conference’s Win in Kashmir
The NC, led by Omar Abdullah, won big in Kashmir. After a decade without democratic rule, with six years of bureaucratic governance, people in the Valley rallied behind the NC. There’s reason for Abdullah and his supporters to celebrate. The party had been losing influence for years, as people in Kashmir sought other leaders to represent them. But now, Abdullah is back, carried by a wave of support from the Valley.
However, this win in Kashmir doesn’t reflect what’s happening in Jammu. There, the BJP took all 29 seats, thanks to its usual focus on national security, the removal of Article 370, and promises of a “united” India. But in reality, Jammu’s patience with Kashmir seems to be wearing thin. Some in Jammu are even considering a future without Kashmir, much like Ladakh did when it broke away.
Omar Abdullah has said all the right things for now. He’s promised to work for both Jammu and Kashmir, even though Jammu largely voted for his opponents. This is a smart move, as he’ll need to show he’s serious about unity. But as everyone knows, talk is cheap, and the regional divide is anything but simple.
The BJP’s Dilemma in Jammu: Article 370 and Statehood
While the BJP’s win in Jammu was solid, it’s not without complications. The party’s supporters are happy about the removal of Article 370, which gave Kashmir special status. But now, there’s growing concern over the loss of statehood. Some people in Jammu are starting to wonder if they would be better off separating from Kashmir altogether. Why continue supporting a political system that seems to benefit the Valley more than Jammu?
It’s ironic. The BJP, which prides itself on being a nationalist party that supports a strong, united India, is now dealing with a region—Jammu—that feels more aligned with regionalism than nationalism. Was this what the BJP had in mind when they pushed for the abrogation of Article 370? A Jammu that’s now thinking about breaking away from Kashmir? This wasn’t part of their plan, but it’s the political reality they’re facing.
The Bureaucratic Shadow of the Lieutenant Governor
Adding to the complexity is the role of the Lieutenant Governor and his team of bureaucrats. For over six years, they ruled Jammu and Kashmir, and even now, they don’t seem eager to fully hand over power to the newly elected government. While Omar Abdullah is set to become Chief Minister, some in the BJP have made it clear that the new government will operate within the limits of the J&K Reorganization Act. In other words, Abdullah shouldn’t get too comfortable, because the real power still lies with the central government in Delhi.
The tension between the elected government and the bureaucratic leadership is another obstacle to keeping Jammu and Kashmir united. The central government has been quiet about when—or if—they’ll restore full statehood to the region. While Abdullah has promised to work with Delhi to make progress, the road ahead is uncertain.
The Emotional Divide Between Jammu and Kashmir
Perhaps the biggest challenge, and the least talked about, is the emotional divide between Jammu and Kashmir. On paper, they are two parts of the same state, but emotionally, they’ve drifted apart. The Valley, with its distinct identity, culture, and grievances, feels disconnected not just from India, but from Jammu as well. Meanwhile, Jammu, which has always played second fiddle to the Valley, is asserting its own regional identity. Some are even calling for more autonomy or a complete separation from Kashmir.
This emotional gap isn’t just a local problem—it’s a national issue. The challenge of keeping Jammu and Kashmir united goes beyond respecting electoral outcomes or appeasing bureaucrats. It’s about addressing the deep-seated mistrust and resentment that have built up over decades. The split election results aren’t just a reflection of political preferences—they’re a symptom of a much deeper problem.
A Dialogue That’s Long Overdue
It’s time for the NC and BJP to have an honest conversation about the future of Jammu and Kashmir. Not a conversation filled with political promises or vague statements, but a real dialogue that addresses the tensions between the two regions. Both parties need to recognize that neither can succeed without the other. And if the central government is ever to restore statehood to J&K, both regions will have to show they can work together, politically and emotionally.
For now, the two parties must respect the mandates given to them. The NC may have won in the Valley, but the BJP’s victory in Jammu cannot be ignored. Acknowledging each other’s success is not just a political necessity—it’s the only way to keep Jammu and Kashmir together in any real sense.
As Omar Abdullah celebrates his win and the BJP basks in its success in Jammu, the real work is just beginning. The biggest challenge they face is keeping Jammu and Kashmir united—politically and emotionally. If they fail, the consequences could be irreversible.
Blurb:
A Fractured Future: Can Jammu and Kashmir Bridge the Divide?
With the 2024 elections leaving the state more divided than ever, the challenge now is healing the rift between Jammu and Kashmir before it’s too late.
Views expressed are personal
The author can be reached at peerzadamasarat@gmail.com