Adv. Tahir, a Prominent Writer and traveller
Yes, it is true that the upcoming assembly elections are crucial at this juncture. However, as an individual and an activist who has witnessed turmoil, violence, and bloodshed firsthand, not only seen but also been a victim of it, I have a message for every political party. My point is clear: I don’t want anyone, whether a candidate or not, to deceive the Kashmiri people again with promises of Article 370, autonomy, or self-rule. What we need are opportunities for the youth, infrastructure development to attract more tourists, sustainable peace policies, and more. For instance, I come from Kupwara district, and we have a gem on the border, Bangus Valley, which is a thriving tourist destination. If any candidate, regardless of party affiliation, includes the development of Bangus in their manifesto, ensuring that the local youth find employment and can support their families, I will vote for them. I don’t want to be fooled again with empty promises about past issues and slogans.
Firdous Javid Beigh, a Writer and Public Speaker from Shangus
To be very honest, as a resident of South Kashmir, I have witnessed some of the worst times over the past 15 years. On the one hand, I am excited about the upcoming Assembly elections, which are happening after nearly a decade. Still, on the other hand, I am fearful that this election shouldn’t come at the cost of the peace we have finally established. I missed many years of school due to the disturbances, which forced me to relearn my basics in the ninth grade when I was already in my first year of college. This prevented me from competing with students from other parts of the country. While the situation has improved since 2019 in terms of law and order, many issues still need to be addressed, and I believe the infrastructure of our colleges should be a priority. We don’t want candidates to mislead us again. They need to focus on the real needs of the people, like job creation, development, law and order, justice, transparency, and addressing public demands. That’s what we need now. Frankly, what do I have to do with autonomy and self-rule? How is Article 370 relevant to me when it hasn’t benefited me since childhood, and as they say, it was already hollow?
Babar Lateef, an Entrepreneur from Handwara
Without a doubt, I am excited to vote in the upcoming assembly elections and choose my representative for the next five years. However, I do have some reservations. I don’t want any leader to come to my door asking for my vote by narrating old emotional stories and manipulating me. Why should I listen to tales of a bygone era? A leader seeking my vote should present policies that will benefit my village, my tehsil, and my district, policies that will ultimately contribute to the greater good of the entire Union Territory. After gauging the current atmosphere in Kashmir, I believe we are about to witness a lot of surprises in this election. It seems that Kashmiris are no longer vulnerable to the emotional dramas often played by politicians. I, as a resident of Kupwara, expect the candidates in my constituency to focus on tangible policies, such as constructing a four-lane highway from Sopore to Kupwara to ease our commute and developing infrastructure to support the growing influx of tourists to Karnah and Keran Valley. Most importantly, as an entrepreneur, I will vote for the candidate who comes up with the most effective start-up and entrepreneurship initiatives to create opportunities for the youth of Kupwara.
Nabeel Jehangir Urdu Writer and young speaker Srinagar
Ever since the Election Commission of India announced the dates for the Assembly elections in J&K, the first since the 2014 elections that led to the short-lived PDP-BJP coalition, I find myself both excited and confused. I’m excited because I want to see fresh, young faces challenge the long-standing political figures who have dominated the scene for years. I’m curious to see how these new candidates will campaign and if they can truly capture the hearts of the electorate. At first, I was confused, particularly about the usual boycott calls. But as election day approaches, my confusion is fading. It’s telling that those who once called for boycotts are now submitting their own candidacies. This shift makes things clearer. I strongly believe in one of my own sayings: ‘What has happened, has happened. What should be done, must be done.’ Relating this to the upcoming election, I urge anyone wishing to contest, especially from my constituency to avoid coming to us with tired narratives like, ‘So-and-so did this for you.’ We don’t need that. Instead, tell us what you will do if we vote for you. Can you help with job creation? Can you provide us with uninterrupted electricity? Can you improve the infrastructure of our schools? These should be our questions, not whether someone can bring back Article 370, a matter already deemed ‘null and void’ by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
Aabid Fayaz, a Concerned Citizen from Shalteng
Srinagar has witnessed enough violence during past elections, but this time, it seems we’re heading towards one of the most peaceful elections in the city’s history. For this reason, I expect those contesting from Shalteng to focus on real issues that matter to us. The growing drug menace in the city needs to be addressed with effective policies. We also need accident prevention measures on the vulnerable stretch of road from Parimpora to Narbal, which has become a hotspot for tragedies. Moreover, it’s high time we have a medical university in Kashmir, to cater to the educational and healthcare needs of our people. I have two requests for every candidate: refrain from playing blame games and engaging in hate speech, and do not try to deceive the people of J&K with rhetoric about Article 370 and 35A. What’s done is done, let’s focus on moving forward and creating a brighter future. We don’t need to listen to old, tired stories anymore. Let’s grow together and make this place more peaceful for everyone.
