Elections in Jammu & Kashmir - Why its historic one?

Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), a region that has experienced prolonged periods of unrest and militancy, is participating in its assembly elections in 2024, subsequent to the parliamentary elections that achieved a remarkable voter turnout of 58.46%.

Since 1947, Kashmir has conducted 12 assembly elections; however, voter participation has frequently been low and accompanied by violence. Polling stations have been targeted by militants. Since the 1990s, numerous political activists have been abducted or murdered by militant organizations. Notably, for the first time in many years, separatist leaders are now competing for several electoral seats.

The prolonged militancy supported by Pakistan under the guise of Islam has inflicted significant suffering on the people of Kashmir. The Kashmiris who seek basic necessities such as food, shelter, and peace have been led to believe that their very existence depended solely on Article 370. However, following the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the people of Kashmir continue to thrive and are now focused on their future, rather than being preoccupied with a constitutional article that was, by its own definition, temporary.

After the successful completion of the Amarnath Yatra by 19 August 2024, the Election Commission of India on 20 August announced the elections in Valley and the Jammu, as per the directions of the Supreme Court (which approved abrogation of Article 370).

To guarantee that "no voter is left behind" in Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission established three floating polling stations on Dal Lake and one along the Line of Control (LoC) to specifically cater to an area with a 100% Scheduled Tribe (ST) population. For the three floating polling stations on Dal Lake, polling teams will be transported via ferries and shikaras.

Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar noted that one of these stations, Khar Mohalla Aabi Karpora, has only three registered voters. The Koragbal polling station, located in the Gurez assembly constituency, is positioned along the LoC separating Indian and Pakistani territories. Also, Seemari is recognized as the first polling station in Kupwara district.

The voting turnout in itself speak of peoples trust, the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi constituency in the Jammu region achieved the highest overall voting percentage at 75.29%, with Poonch-Haveli closely following at 72.71%, according to data from the Election Commission. Among the 15 assembly segments in the Kashmir valley, Khansahib recorded the highest voting percentage at 67.70%, trailed by Kangan (ST) at 67.60% and Chrar-i-Sharief at 66%.

Additionally, a delegation of diplomats from 16 countries, including the United States, Norway, and Singapore, arrived to observe the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

What else changed this time was that the Kashmiri migrant voters were granted the opportunity to participate in the electoral process through the establishment of 24 Special Polling Stations located in Jammu (19), Udhampur (1), and Delhi (4). The Commission previously facilitated the voting process for these migrants by eliminating the complex Form-M and allowing for self-certification.

The introduction of home-voting for the first time during the Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir brought democracy directly to those with physical limitations. Numerous voters over the age of 85, as well as persons with disabilities meeting the 40% benchmark, chose to cast their votes from the comfort of their residences. The entire voting procedure was recorded on video to ensure transparency while maintaining the confidentiality of the ballot.

In line with the Election Commission of India’s dedication to enhancing the voting experience, Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) such as drinking water, electricity, restrooms, ramps, furniture, adequate shelter, help desks, wheelchairs, and volunteers were made available at all Polling Stations. Additionally, one polling station in each Assembly Constituency was exclusively managed by women and persons with disabilities to provide a more comfortable voting environment.

Overall, the recent elections in Jammu and Kashmir have been unprecedented, marked by the absence of any law and order issues or instances of militant interference at polling stations, reflecting a collective desire for peace in the valley. Furthermore, Pakistan appears unsettled by India's achievements and the progress being made in Kashmir. It is evident that Pakistan's interest lies solely in the territory of Kashmir, yet the local populace has dismissed the misleading narratives put forth by the Pakistan Army. The people of Kashmir are entitled to peace, which they are likely to experience in the near future. It is to be hoped that the financially struggling Pakistan will refrain from repeating its past errors and allow the people of Kashmir to enjoy tranquility and prosperity.

Jai Hind!

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