Though we Kashmiri Pandits will never forget how the BJP and its leaders in power have ignored and isolated us during the last ten years of governance, both at the Centre and in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. But we refuse to remain silent spectators to the new political developments emerging in the region ,by return of political parties like the NC and Congress to power after winning elections today on Octor 8,2024 would be nothing short of a tragedy for our community and the nation as a whole.
Our silence should not be mistaken for acceptance that we will not hold all those responsible, whether past or present, accountable for their failure to deliver justice and dignity to our victim community of Kashmiri Pandits.
The Danger of a Pro-Separatist Government in Jammu and Kashmir: A Grave Threat to National Unity, Kashmiri Pandits, and India’s Integrity
As political developments unfold in Jammu and Kashmir, the looming formation of a coalition government led by the National Conference (NC), Congress, and other like-minded pro-separatist parties threatens to reverse the hard-won progress made over the last few years. This development not only endangers the security and sovereignty of the earsthwhile state but also spells disaster for the long-suffering Kashmiri Pandit community, whose voices have been repeatedly silenced and whose rights have been trampled under previous regimes as well as were , responsible for the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits and the rise of terrorism in the Valley, have failed time and again to protect national interests. They have emboldened separatists, facilitated the release of terrorists, stone-pelters, and anti-national elements, and created an atmosphere where Pakistan-backed insurgents thrived. The resurgence of such a government will reignite the demands for the abrogation of Article 370 and other central laws, diminishing the progress achieved through the abrogation of special status. It would lead to chaos, with terrorism gaining new strength, while Pakistan and separatist lobbies would exploit the situation, weakening India’s national fabric.
The news that the National Conference (NC) and Congress coalition has won the Jammu and Kashmir elections is both alarming and a moment of reflection for the Government of India (GoI). This victory is not just another change in power but a return of parties whose past actions have deeply damaged the region’s stability, national interests, and the lives of countless innocent citizens. The re-emergence of these two parties must serve as a stern wake-up call to the Central Government and all those who value the long-term security and unity of the nation.
To understand the grave implications of this electoral result, it is essential to revisit the role that both NC and Congress have historically played in shaping the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference, under the leadership of the Abdullah dynasty, has long been associated with divisive politics. Their tendency to align with separatist sympathies, to flirt with pro-Pakistan narratives, and to propagate soft policies towards terrorism have left deep scars on the region. They have repeatedly undermined the integrity of India, pandered to anti-national elements, and stoked the fires of communal discord.
Similarly, Congress, with its opportunistic alliances and lack of a clear vision for Jammu and Kashmir, has consistently compromised national interests in the pursuit of power. From turning a blind eye to the plight of Kashmiri Pandits during their exodus in 1990 to ignoring rampant corruption, Congress has failed the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the country at large.
The election result reflects, yet again, the manipulation of regional sentiments for short-term political gains. NC and Congress have never hesitated to play the victim card, resort to populist rhetoric, and exploit the sentiments of the local population, all while delivering little in terms of actual progress or peace. The very parties that should have worked towards curbing terrorism, improving infrastructure, and fostering unity have instead promoted policies that encourage extremism, factionalism, and a chronic sense of alienation from the rest of India.
As a displaced member of the Kashmiri Pandit community, I cannot help but feel angered and betrayed by this election result. The plight of Kashmiri Pandits, who have been in exile for over three decades, remains unaddressed. Despite their sacrifices and unflinching loyalty to the Indian state, NC and Congress have never taken serious measures to ensure our safe return to our homeland. This victory signifies a continuation of the status quo, where the Pandit community will remain voiceless and ignored.
The Pandits have always been treated as a political tool, with promises made and broken with shocking regularity. The NC-Congress coalition has consistently failed to ensure justice for our community. What is more worrying is the potential resurgence of those politicians who sympathized with the very forces that drove us from our homes.
This election victory of NC– Congress also reopens the doors to political corruption, economic stagnation, and security lapses. Under NC and Congress, we have seen a systemic weakening of governance structures in Jammu and Kashmir. Corruption ran rampant, development was paralyzed, and instead of building a peaceful and prosperous region, these parties presided over an era of chaos, violence, and mismanagement. The gains made under direct Central rule and the development initiatives brought in by Prime Minister Modi’s government risk being undone.
In veiw of these today’s political devlpoments in Jammu and Kashmir the more responsibility has increased on Central Government to strongly Monitor the future devlopment and the Government of India must ensure stringent oversight on the workings of the newly elected NC-Congress government. The central administration cannot afford to take a hands-off approach, given the potential for these parties to undermine India’s national interests again.
One of the key weaknesses that allowed NC and Congress to win is the imbalance in representation between Jammu and Kashmir. The Central Government must ensure that the process of delimitation is swiftly and effectively implemented, ensuring fair representation for all regions, including Jammu, where pro-national voices are in the majority.
The GoI must urgently nurture and support pro-India political forces and constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir,in Kashmiri Pandits and others. Leaders who prioritize development, unity, and national security should be promoted over those with a history of pandering to separatists and extremists. The NC-Congress government, if left unchecked, will likely continue their old games of playing separatism and terrorism for votes.
The return and rehabilitation of the Kashmiri Pandit community at one place in Valley must not be allowed to take a backseat. The GoI must ensure that the rights and future of the Pandit community are protected under any government. It must be clear that any policies favoring separatists or those who caused the Pandit exodus will not be tolerated.
The safety and security must remain the topmost priority of the centralgovernment. The new NC– Congress government must not be allowed to compromise on India’s national security, and any sign of softening towards terrorist groups or separatist ideology must be met with a decisive response from the Central Government. The peace and stability achieved in the last few years cannot be allowed to unravel under the leadership of these historically compromised parties.
This victory should not be celebrated as a triumph of democracy, but as a dire warning. A government run by NC and Congress poses a significant threat to the future of Jammu and Kashmir, and by extension, to India’s sovereignty and unity. The Government of India must keep a vigilant eye on the actions of these parties and take every necessary step to prevent the resurgence of divisive politics, corruption, and terrorism in the region.
At the end we would like to say that this election is a test not only for Jammu and Kashmir but for the entire nation. The mistakes of the past must not be repeated. The Central Government must act decisively, ensuring that national interests, Natuonalists interests, the rights of the Kashmiri Pandit community, and the security of Jammu and Kashmir are preserved, no matter who sits in power.
[ Kundan Kashmiri]
Kashmirobserver,Solider ASKPC & President Kashmiri Pandit Conference ( KPC )– E–mail –kundankashmiri@gmail.com—Mobile No.880 2167955