The Indian government announced recently that elections to the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will be held next month, a new political event in the region. This announcement was made five years after the Indian Parliament scrapped Section 370 which had given this state a self-governing status. Yet, the scrapping of the autonomy status in August 2019 was followed by unrest and international attention to the region alongside bringing the changes to governance structures of the erstwhile Indian-administered state.
Historical Context
The political affairs of Kashmir have remained rather troubled for many years since the division of India and Pakistan in 1947. The region has become a focus of many controversies and, as a consequence, numerous wars between the two countries. Article 370 of the Indian constitution permitted the state of Jammu & Kashmir to have its own constitution, have a separate flag, and control all its affairs except in defense, communication, and external affairs. Nevertheless, the degree of self-rule remained a contentious political issue in this area while certain political actors promoted the desire for higher degrees of decentralization, others campaigned for Paltan’s incorporation into India, and vice versa.
The action to scrap Article 370 was justified by the Indian government as preparatory to the integration and development agenda. This termed the dismantling of the state into two Union Territories, namely Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh directly under the central authority. This action was received with lots of controversies, both locally and globally. Some regarded it a belated attempt at redressing the imbalance in the status of the region vis-à-vis the rest of India; others saw it as a disregard for the rights and identity of the people of Kashmir.
The Road to Elections
The forthcoming elections will be the first since August 5, 2019, when the center abrogated Article 370 of the Indian constitution. It has become apparent that several political, social, and economic shifts have occurred in this period. There has been improved centralization of the region by the central government and occasional attempts to further integrate it with the rest of the country.
The process of delimitation of the electoral constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir was initiated long back and was completed earlier this year. This process has, however, been murky, and accusations of gerrymandering and manipulation of the demography of the region have been made. However, it has provided the stage for the elections, which are likely to be the defining moment of the political arena of the region.
Current Political Climate
High political risk remains characteristic of the political environment of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference (NC) , the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and many other regional political parties of the state have raised a question mark on the motive of the central government and the impartiality of the electoral process. These parties have traditionally had important roles in the region’s politics but are struggling to organize support in the post-Article 370 scenario.
Whereas, the Bharatiya Janata Party at the center may enthusiastically engage in the poll because it may wish to achieve a good score in the elections. The BJP has been very clear about supporting the removal of Article 370 and it has painted these coming elections as a participation in the new political process of the region.
Security issues are also the main concern that arises with the realization of the election period. Over the past three or so years, the region has witnessed fresh rounds of militancy and violence with the security forces and the militants often engaged in fights. The central government has been working on security endeavors, relative to the elections, but the potentiality of violence persists as a concern.
International Reactions
The global community has keenly followed events in Jammu and Kashmir, especially after the abolishment of its constitution’s special status. India’s actions have drawn complaints from countries such as Pakistan that hold territorial sovereignty in the region. The United Nations and other human rights agencies have also published concerns about human rights abuses and suppression of civil liberties in the area.
But once again, as the elections approach there can be expected added international focus. How the elections are going to be conducted, as well as the political outcomes that may be expected in the context of India’s foreign policy including the relations with the neighbors and the western countries, will be of great interest.
Conclusion
Announcing the elections to the assembly in Jammu and Kashmir next month gives a new era in the political history of this area. As a first electoral experience after the end of the region’s autonomy, these elections will challenge not only the central government’s policies but the people of Jammu and Kashmir themselves as well. The actions of the voters should be expected to affect the future development of the region in political and social regards.