Israar Shahid
The era of Hartalsduring elections is over, and so are the days when leaders were chosen by a mere 5% of the electorate. Today, Kashmir stands at the threshold of a new democratic dawn, where long queues outside polling stations tell the story of a people eager to shape their future through the power of their vote.
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has dramatically shifted following the Election Commission of India’s long-awaited announcement of assembly elections. On September 18th, the first phase of polling was conducted, marking a pivotal moment in J&K’s history. Voters across 24 seats in seven districts of Jammu and southern Kashmir turned out to cast their ballots. In Kashmir, the constituencies included Tral, Pulwama, Rajpora, Zainapora, Shopian, DH Pora, Kulgam, Devsar, Dooru, Kokernag (ST), Anantnag West, Anantnag, Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Shangus-Anantnag East, and Pahalgam. This election is unlike any before it, especially for the people of Kashmir. First, it is the first assembly election since the historic abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, fundamentally altering the region’s political fabric. Second, the once-common boycott calls, a hallmark of previous elections, are notably absent. Third, a fascinating reversal has emerged: individuals who once labeled voters and mainstream politicians as ‘GADHAR’ are now themselves contesting for power, seeking votes from the very public they once distanced from elections.
Tral has garnered significant attention, not for political developments, but as a notorious hotbed of militancy. The town has been a volatile battleground, associated with high-profile militants For years, Tral was a place where daily violence—from grenade attacks to crossfires was a grim norm. For my readers unfamiliar with this region, it’s important to understand the gravity of this transformation. Tral has long been a focal point in discussions about militancy in Kashmir, making it unimaginable to think of long queues at its polling booths. Yet, in a remarkable turn of events, Tral recorded a voter turnout of 43.56% in the recent assembly elections. While this figure might not seem extraordinary at first glance, for those who understand Tral’s turbulent history, it represents a profound shift. The same town that once symbolized militancy is now engaging with the democratic process in a way few thought possible.
No one can forget the name ‘Pulwama,’ especially in connection with the devastating Pulwama Attack with huge loss, Pulwama district has often made headlines, not only for its world-famous saffron cultivation and robust dairy production, but also for the street violence disguised as ‘peaceful’ protests, which has marred its history over the past decade.I vividly recall the incident in Mitrigam on August 14, 2017, when militants forced children onto the streets, handed them Pakistani flags, and made them parade in celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day. This symbolized the deep-seated turmoil the region was enduring. Fast forward to today, and Pulwama has witnessed an extraordinary voter turnout of 50.78%. What was once a distant dream, seeing political parties holding rallies or roadshows in the districthas become a reality. Even first-time candidates campaigned openly, striving to win over the electorate. The shift is clear: it’s not the mind that was the problem, but the mindset. Where we once saw grenade attacks at polling stations during election seasons, today we see long queues of eager voters. This transformation speaks volumes about the changing political climate in Pulwama, signalling a renewed hope for democratic participation.
On July 27, 2016, following the death of Burhan Wani, a 21-year-old boy-led mob attacked the DamhalHanjipora (DH Pora) police station. The station’s ceilings were torn apart, dozens of vehicles were reduced to skeletal remains, and their tires were set ablaze. DH Pora has long been a safe haven for notorious militants, including Syed Salahuddin in the early 1990s. On October 26, 2017, a CRPF camp in DH Pora was attacked, leaving four jawans injured. Yet, this same DH Pora, now an assembly constituency in Kulgam district, has seen a remarkable shift. Despite its violent past, the people of DH Pora have turned from bullets to ballots, recording an impressive 66.88% voter turnout in the recent Phase I of the assembly elections.
This narrative of transformation isn’t unique to DH Pora; many parts of Kashmir, especially in the south, carry similar stories. The Kulgam constituency, which saw a 63.44% voter turnout, was once a hub of public demonstrations and frequent stone-pelting during militant encounters. Likewise, Shopian, which recorded a 58.51% turnout, has often been in the headlines due to its violent past. This is the same Shopian where, on May 9, 2017, 22-year-old Kashmiri Army officer Umer Fayaz was abducted from his uncle’s house and tragically found dead the next morning.
The overall voter turnout for the first phase of the assembly elections in J&K stands at a remarkable 61.38%, a figure that was once only a dream in Kashmir. I believe it reflects a profound shift in the mindset of the people, particularly after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. This decision marked the end of violent and uncontrolled protests in the name of Azadi. We are entering a new era in Kashmir, where people focus on candidates who prioritize development, whether in education, the economy, social progress, or infrastructure. The days of boycott and hartal calls are behind us. Today, every Kashmiri is celebrating this festival of democracy with renewed hope and participation.
The Writer is a student activist and can be reached at [email protected]
