The political landscape of Kashmir is as diverse as its topography. The narratives of elections in North and South Kashmir present a fascinating study of contrasts shaped by historical, social, and economic factors. While part of the same valley, these regions exhibit distinct electoral behaviours and beliefs that reflect their unique experiences and aspirations. This article explores the election narratives of North and South Kashmir, delving into the historical context, socio-political dynamics, and the evolving nature of democratic engagement in these regions. Regarding historical context and socio-political dynamics, North Kashmir has had a legacy of political engagement. Encompassing districts like Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora, North Kashmir has a rich history of political involvement. This region has traditionally been a stronghold of mainstream political parties, including the National Conference (NC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Historically, North Kashmir has seen a higher voter turnout than its southern counterpart. This higher voter turnout can be attributed to several factors, including better infrastructure, relatively higher levels of literacy, and a more established presence of political parties. The electorate in North Kashmir tends to prioritize developmental issues, such as employment, education, and healthcare, over separatist sentiments, which are less pronounced in this region compared to the south.
In contrast, South Kashmir, which includes districts like Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam, and Shopian, is a bastion of resistance. This region, despite significant challenges, has shown remarkable resilience. It has been the epicentre of anti-establishment sentiment and has witnessed considerable militancy and unrest. The narratives here are deeply intertwined with the broader Kashmir conflict, and elections are often viewed through the prism of this protracted struggle. Electoral participation in South Kashmir has been markedly lower, with voter turnouts frequently dipping in the face of calls for boycotts by separatist groups and widespread disenchantment with the political process. The electorate in this region is more sceptical of mainstream political parties, often perceiving them as instruments of the central government’s control rather than genuine representatives of Kashmiri aspirations. The recent postponement of polling in Rajouri and Anantnag regions by the Election Commission of India reflects this behaviour.
Election campaigns play a pivotal role in shaping the election narrative, and they differ significantly in their focus and execution. In North Kashmir, campaigns are typically centred on developmental promises and the performance of incumbent politicians. Candidates engage with voters through rallies, door-to-door campaigns, and public meetings, emphasizing their track records and plans for local development. In South Kashmir, however, election campaigns face significant challenges. Security concerns often restrict the movement of candidates, and public gatherings are rare due to the risk of violence. Campaigns here are more subdued, with candidates relying on social media and low-key interactions to reach voters. The narratives in South Kashmir are often dominated by issues of autonomy, human rights, and the broader Kashmir conflict, with candidates needing to navigate a delicate balance between addressing local grievances and aligning with broader political sentiments.
Voter behaviour in North and South Kashmir reflects their distinct socio-political environments. In North Kashmir, the electorate approaches elections pragmatically, focusing on tangible benefits and improvements in their daily lives. Issues such as road infrastructure, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and employment opportunities dominate the discourse. Voters here are more likely to hold their elected representatives accountable for their performance and seek direct benefits from their participation in the electoral process. In South Kashmir, voter behaviour is more complex and influenced by more profound ideological beliefs. Many voters view elections as a means to express their dissent and frustration with the status quo. Boycotts and low turnouts are common, reflecting a sense of disillusionment with the political system. For those who participate, voting is often driven by a desire to support candidates perceived to be sympathetic to the region’s unique political and social challenges, including those related to autonomy and human rights.
Recent developments, particularly the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, have further impacted the electoral narratives in both regions. Article 370 granted special autonomous status to Jammu and Kashmir, and its revocation by the central government was met with mixed reactions across the valley. In North Kashmir, the abrogation of Article 370 has been met with cautious optimism by some segments of the population, who hope it will lead to greater integration with the rest of India and bring development and investment to the region. However, a significant portion of the electorate remains wary of the central government’s intentions and sceptical about the promised benefits. In South Kashmir, the reaction has been overwhelmingly negative. The move has intensified anti-establishment sentiments and deepened the sense of alienation and mistrust towards the central government. The abrogation has also influenced voter behaviour, with many choosing to boycott elections as a protest. In contrast, others are galvanized to participate to support candidates who oppose the central government’s policies. Also, the old guards, like NC and PDP, are facing challenges from the new emergents, such as DPAP and PC, which is also a consequence of the political restructuring that followed the abrogation of Article 370.
As Kashmir navigates its complex political landscape, understanding the distinct electoral narratives of North and South Kashmir is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and responsive political environment. Bridging the divide between these regions requires a multifaceted approach that addresses their unique challenges and aspirations. One of the critical steps towards bridging the divide is promoting inclusive development that addresses the specific needs of both regions. In North Kashmir, this means focusing on infrastructure, education, and healthcare, ensuring that development benefits reach all sections of society. In South Kashmir, development efforts must be coupled with initiatives addressing the region’s socio-political concerns, including measures to rebuild trust and engage with local communities meaningfully. It’s important to empathize with the unique challenges and aspirations of the Kashmiri electorate to foster a more inclusive and responsive political environment.
Encouraging greater political participation across the valley is essential for strengthening democratic processes. This involves creating an environment where voters feel safe and empowered to participate in elections without fear of reprisal. Efforts to enhance political literacy and awareness, particularly among youth, can significantly foster a more engaged and informed electorate. Dialogue and reconciliation are critical for addressing deep-seated grievances and building a more cohesive political landscape. This requires sustained efforts to engage with all stakeholders, including political parties, civil society organizations, and local communities. Ensuring the safety and security of candidates and voters is paramount for the smooth conduct of elections. This involves addressing the immediate security concerns and tackling the underlying issues contributing to unrest and instability. A comprehensive security approach that includes preventive measures and efforts to address root causes is essential for creating a conducive environment for elections. This comprehensive security approach should reassure the audience about the safety and integrity of the electoral process.
The election narratives of North and South Kashmir offer a compelling glimpse into the valley’s diverse and complex political landscape. While North Kashmir focuses on development and pragmatic engagement with the political process, South Kashmir is marked by more profound ideological beliefs and a strong sense of resistance. Understanding these narratives and addressing each region’s unique challenges and aspirations is crucial for fostering Kashmir’s more inclusive, responsive, and resilient political environment. As the valley continues to evolve, the voices of its people, from the ballot boxes to their deeply held beliefs, will play a pivotal role in shaping its future
