We need leaders who focus on genuine progress by proposing practical policies and programs that benefit future generations. Each constituency has unique strengths, and our representatives should harness these to drive sustainable development, ensuring growth at the grassroots level and a better future for all.
Syed Furkan
Assembly elections are approaching, and in Kashmir, we often witness voters being either threatened or deceived by hollow promises. These tactics have turned Kashmir and its people into a battlefield. Our representatives have rarely presented a clear manifesto. Instead, politics around self-rule, autonomy, achievable nationhood, and referendums have been used to secure votes, despite these goals being unrealistic.
What I seek in this election is a simple representative—someone who will address local issues through practical policies and genuinely represent their constituency, without making empty promises or selling dreams that have only brought suffering to Kashmir.
Jammu and Kashmir have experienced a wide range of situations, giving voters a deeper understanding of politics than in many other parts of the country. They have witnessed how political parties have exploited hartal and boycott calls, as well as violence and low voter turnout. The people have endured suffering at the hands of politicians who have prioritized their own interests, often confining political power and legislative influence to their inner circles.
The people of Kashmir have sacrificed their lives to uphold democracy and constitutional rights, yet they have been politically victimized under various banners. Terms like self-rule, autonomy, achievable nationhood, and referendums have been used to secure votes, even though these goals have often proved to be unrealistic.
The period following the abrogation of Article 370 has been a lesson for voters. It has cleared much of the confusion and paved the way for peace, development, and a corruption-free, violence-free Jammu and Kashmir, making it one of the most visited places in the country.While I am not opposed to legislation, the progress observed in these five years surpasses what was witnessed in the last three decades of local governance. This is largely due to the direct or indirect affiliation of previous leaders with violence, as they often preached and promoted illogical notions to their voters. The continued discontent among some people in Kashmir is rooted in the actions of political leaders who, despite fighting elections within the framework of the Indian Constitution, nurtured and spread radical ideas.
India’s democracy, being highly inclusive, has provided space for debate and discussion, even today offering a platform for dialogues—something that would be unimaginable in many other places. However, the situation in Kashmir often remains sentiment-based rather than development-focused.
Most elections in the region have been fought by provoking voters against Indian democracy and exploiting polarized sentiments. Over the last seventy years, politicians and political parties have largely relied on sentiment-based manifestos rather than people-oriented policies. This approach has not only hindered developmental progress but also worsened circumstances, as these sentiment-driven policies were neither debated nor taken seriously. Instead, they served to deceive voters.
As a voter, I hold great respect for my political leaders. Without any bias and considering past experiences—having grown up during crises, violence, and turmoil—I can understand the ground realities. These realities demand that we avoid repeating past miseries and sorrows. Instead, we should focus on addressing basic issues and implementing policies that will benefit the people and future generations.
As a voter with legitimate rights to choose my representatives, I wish and desire that in this assembly election, our political leaders should devise manifestos with clear roadmaps and policies tailored to their respective constituencies, rather than attempting to represent the entire state. Over the last three decades, by focusing on grand issues, we have often lost sight of basic local concerns in disputes and debates.
Honestly, without favouring or supporting any particular governance, what the common voter expects is the fulfilment of basic needs, such as water supply, electricity, roads, infrastructure, connectivity, healthcare, and other essential services.
So, let’s vote based on roadmap and policies,. Let’s demand that our representatives provide clear manifestos, and let’s move away from sentimental politics that promise statehood, autonomy, or the revocation of Article 370—issues that are not realistic and only serve to provoke future generations.
We have great politicians who can create a lasting impact and benefit future generations, rather than introducing ideas that could derail their mind-sets or disrupt their future. Therefore, let’s evaluate our representatives based on the policies, schemes, and programs they propose for the development of their respective constituencies. Each constituency has its own unique potential and resources, and our representatives must promote and harness these assets to ensure sustainability for future generations and foster development at the grassroots level.
