For decades, Kashmir had shunned elections, consistently ranking at the bottom of voter turnout statistics, with dismal figures that marred the electoral process amidst waves of political upheaval in the valley.
Election days were synonymous with staying indoors, as casting a vote and getting inked could jeopardize one’s life. But times have changed. The tide has turned as the ongoing Lok Sabha elections reveal a significant surge in voter participation.
Consider this: In the recent polling for the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency during the fifth phase of parliamentary elections on May 20, nearly 60 percent of eligible voters turned out, marking the highest participation since the 1967 parliamentary election.
These numbers are nothing short of extraordinary. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the same constituency recorded a mere 34.89 percent turnout. What’s particularly striking this time is the turnout from segments once considered hotbeds of militancy. Areas like Pattan, Handwara, and even Trehgam, the birthplace of JKLF founder Maqbool Bhat, witnessed over 60 percent turnout.
This shift marks a significant moment for India as a nation. The democratic process, which had been largely absent in Kashmir since 1987, is now making a resurgence.
While the rest of the country celebrated the electoral process, Kashmir often resembled a ghost town, with streets stained with bloodshed rather than electoral fervor. Elections were superficial, devoid of campaigning, with candidates having minimal interaction with voters.
A growing disconnect between the rulers and the ruled exacerbated the situation, further widened by separatist calls for election boycotts. The fear of retaliation from separatist groups kept many away from the polling booths.
Ironically, many of these separatist leaders had themselves participated in elections in the past, understanding the political value of a vote. Figures like Syed Salahuddin and Syed Ali Shah Geelani were once part of the electoral process, contesting under the Muslim United Front (MUF) banner.
However, after losing in the 1987 elections, the same leaders denounced the electoral process as illegitimate, leading to the rise of separatist movements. Subsequent elections were marred by low turnout and heavy security presence, creating a tense atmosphere in the region.
For over three decades, Kashmiris were deprived of their fundamental right to vote, with elections overshadowed by violence and unrest. But now, there’s a palpable sense of change in the air.
Voters are no longer afraid to exercise their democratic rights, as evidenced by the enthusiastic turnout and social media posts proudly displaying inked fingers. Even leaders of previously anti-election groups are showing interest in the electoral process.
The transformation in Kashmir’s political landscape is nothing short of remarkable, especially considering it comes just five years after the revocation of Article 370 in 2019. Now, as Kashmir embraces elections like never before, it’s crucial to understand what drives people’s voting decisions and aspirations for change.
While Kashmir may seem insignificant in the larger political arena, its residents yearn for their voices to be heard. Whether it’s advocating for statehood or demanding change, every ballot cast represents a step towards reclaiming agency and representation in the democratic process.