” Recent elections of Jammu and Kashmir which divided J& K on political and religious lines, could have significant implications for the overall stability, unity, and future trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir.Also could lead towards separate Jammu state, can not be ruled out ”
[ Kundan Kashmiri]
Political Analyst, Kashmir Watcher & President KPC.
The recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir have exposed deepening divisions along religious and political lines, with Muslim voters predominantly supporting Muslim candidates in the Kashmir Valley, while Hindu voters have overwhelmingly backed the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Jammu. This polarization risks creating further fractures between the state and central government, as well as deepening the already tense relations between the Kashmir Valley and Jammu regions. The consequences of this trend are alarming and could have significant implications for the overall stability, unity, and future trajectory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The emerging voting patterns reflect a widening gap between the two regions of Jammu and Kashmir, with voters choosing candidates based on religious affiliations rather than developmental agendas or a shared vision for peace and progress. In the Kashmir Valley, Muslim-majority areas have favored Muslim candidates, primarily from local parties like the National Conference and People’s Democratic Party (PDP), while the Hindu-majority Jammu region has consolidated behind the BJP. This division has the potential to exacerbate tensions and lead to further alienation, with each region viewing the other with growing mistrust.
Such polarization creates a hostile environment where the voices of minority communities, especially those like the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, remain marginalized. The rising dominance of religiously driven politics threatens to overshadow pressing issues like unemployment, economic development, security, and the rehabilitation of displaced communities, diverting attention to identity politics.
The religious divide in voting patterns could also strain the relationship between the state and the central government. Historically, Jammu and Kashmir has always been a politically sensitive region, and increased polarization can weaken the spirit of cooperative federalism that is crucial for its governance. The central government may face challenges in balancing the diverse aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir while maintaining peace, security, and development. Political instability could increase, especially if local political parties capitalize on this divide to push separatist or anti-national agendas.
At the same time, this divide may prompt the central government to increase its intervention in the affairs of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to a governance structure that could be perceived as overly centralist or authoritarian. Such perceptions could fuel unrest in the Kashmir Valley, where historical grievances and calls for autonomy still resonate among sections of the population. Therefore, the ongoing polarization risks pushing Jammu and Kashmir into a prolonged phase of uncertainty, political deadlock, and unrest.
The religious polarization witnessed in the recent elections has far-reaching consequences for the social fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. It risks solidifying the already existing communal divide, where religious identities take precedence over national or regional unity. The danger here is that it sets the stage for future conflicts and grievances, leading to possible social unrest or worse, communal violence.
Moreover, the focus on religious identities during elections could undermine good governance. Development, job creation, education, and social welfare programs risk being sidelined in favor of appeasing the religious sentiments of the electorate. The pressing needs of the people, particularly in areas affected by conflict and displacement, will likely continue to be ignored as long as elections revolve around religious and political fault lines.
For instance, the ongoing displacement of Kashmiri Pandits and the failure to fully rehabilitate them continues to be a significant issue. With the political landscape shifting toward religious divides, this community may be further sidelined, leaving their concerns unresolved.
To prevent further damage, it is imperative for all stakeholders, including political parties and the central government, to work towards de-escalating tensions and focusing on inclusive governance. It is crucial to shift the political discourse from religious and regional polarization to addressing the common aspirations of all people in Jammu and Kashmir, irrespective of their religion.
National unity and security must be prioritized, and the voice of minorities and displaced communities, such as the Kashmiri Pandits, must be given the attention they deserve. Political leaders in the Valley and Jammu must encourage a narrative that promotes development, peace, and harmony, rather than one that entrenches divisions. Additionally, dialogue between Jammu and Kashmir’s leadership and the central government should aim at bridging differences rather than allowing them to fester.
Finally, voters themselves must recognize the dangerous implications of voting solely along religious lines. A democratic system flourishes when voters choose candidates based on their ability to deliver on governance, development, and public welfare—not on their religion or caste. The future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on moving beyond the dangerous politics of division and working collectively toward a vision of prosperity, unity, and peace.
The recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir reflect a troubling trend of religious and political polarization, which threatens to deepen the existing divides between the Valley and Jammu. This polarization not only risks creating tensions between the state and central government but also undermines the prospects for long-term peace and development. The central government, local political leaders, and the people of Jammu and Kashmir must work together to reverse this dangerous trend and focus on building a united, prosperous, and inclusive region for all its citizens. Failure to do so could lead to a future marked by instability, alienation, and continued conflict. Besides this could lead toward separate Jammu state, can not be ruled out.
[ Kundan Kashmiri]
Kashmir watcher & President Kashmiri Pandit Conference ( KPC)
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