We are not here to debate anything that is a prerequisite for holding elections in J&K. Rather, we are advocating for the conduct of the elections, leaving aside the discussion on the restoration of statehood before or after the elections. The conduct of assembly elections, letting the masses elect their representatives, is the main thrust. So much has been asked and said about restoring the democratic set-up in J&K, but no concrete steps have been initiated in this regard. A major step would have been to let people come out and vote for their betterment. Those who are suffering in the absence of a popularly elected government are just people, and the government of India has not taken note of this even when the Chief Election Commissioner talked about a “vacuum” that needs to be filled.
The vacuum and the void have solidified, freezing the crucial and otherwise proactive elements of a democratic setup, while the government prefers to look the other way, evading answers to genuine and important questions, giving all the importance and traction to the PRIs, who are now demanding an extension in their respective terms. The PRIs are important, but is the government trying to project them as the better alternative? Isn’t that an insult to the institution of democracy? We commend the government for infusing life into the Panchayati Raj system, which was not allowed to flourish over the years, but at what cost? Presenting them as agents of change and depriving the masses of J&K of the real democracy where they would see the real representation of their issues and grievances, ensuring to make their lives better?
It is time for the government of India to finally sense the need and urgency of holding early assembly elections in J&K and bringing the democratic process back to life, paving the way to strengthen it further. It just cannot close it eyes to the reality. By holding back and resorting to undue delay in announcing dates, it is just suffocating democracy further, adding to the issues and miseries of the people of J&K. The government must also know that by letting the people enjoy the popularly elected government, the pace of overall development and growth, which has already been kick-started, will gain further momentum. More importantly, it will give them a sense of belonging and identity which is absent at the moment.
