Utter Disillusionment: IIOJK Sees First Election Since 2014 as Chance to Reject Modi: The Guardian

The guardian article published on 18 September 2024 highlights that Kashmir is holding its first regional assembly election since 2014, with excitement among voters for the first time since 1987. Many feel disillusioned and alienated, seeing the election as a chance to regain their voice and resist Modi’s policies.

This is the first election since Prime Minister Modi revoked Kashmir’s special autonomous status by repealing Article 370 in August 2019, sparking a heavy crackdown. Following the repeal, thousands of troops were deployed, internet was cut for over 18 months, and political leaders and activists were jailed, stifling dissent. Modi’s BJP, once confident of winning, is now contesting less than a third of the 90 seats, focusing mostly on Jammu, the region’s only Hindu-majority area.

Many feel disillusioned and alienated, seeing the election as a chance to regain their voice and resist Modi’s policies. Despite a history of election boycotts and rigging, a high voter turnout is expected, with rallies drawing large crowds, particularly from those opposing Modi’s agenda. The BJP frames the high turnout as evidence of Kashmiris supporting Modi’s changes and abandoning aspirations for independence.

Kashmiris fear that Modi’s policies aim to change the region’s Muslim-majority demographic by allowing outsiders to buy property. Promised economic improvements post-2019, including investments and reduced unemployment, have not materialized, fueling discontent. Despite Modi’s claims of defeating militancy, a recent wave of violence has led to nearly 200 security personnel and over 350 civilians being killed since 2020.

The voters are increasingly supporting independent candidates over traditional parties, some of which had previously aligned with the BJP. Abdul Rashid Sheikh, a popular independent politician, has gained significant support after being released from jail, and is now campaigning for Kashmir’s autonomy. The election is being viewed by many as a chance to push back against what they see as Modi’s assault on Kashmir’s identity and autonomy.