A Decade Later

The atmosphere is permeated with hope, apprehension, and the fundamental yearning for change as Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) prepares to conduct its first Assembly elections in over a decade. The forthcoming elections must be regarded as more than a mere political contest; they are a reflection of the socio-economic and democratic vices that have emerged in the region over the past decade.

The issues that are being emphasized during these elections are essentially the issues that the people of J&K are experiencing, which are the deterioration of democracy, and a rise in unemployment.

In the past decade, the state of Jammu and Kashmir has experienced a significant political transformation, which has resulted in its absence from the local scene. One of the significant changes in the political landscape of J&K was the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which eliminated the region’s special status. Understanding the administrative structure of the state is further complicated by its division into two Union Territories—Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The area has been directly ruled as a result of these events, and local political participation has been restricted. The absence of a correctly functioning legislative power has resulted in a sense of alienation among voters. This absence of representation has been particularly acutely felt in a region where the issues of representation have been contentious for some time.

One of the other significant topics of the current elections is employment, and more specifically, unemployment. The region has also been plagued by high levels of unemployment over the past decade due to political instability, economic stagnation, and insecurity. Recent reports have indicated that J&K has one of the highest unemployment rates among all states in India, particularly in terms of adolescent unemployment. To elucidate the causes of this crisis, the information presented in this study was intended. This crisis has been influenced by a variety of factors.

That is why the economic activity experienced substantial losses as a result of the prolonged turmoil and subsequent lock-ins. Tourism, handicrafts, and agriculture, which were previously the primary sources of employment for a significant number of individuals, have significantly suffered. The rate of employment creation has also been influenced by the poor investment in the private sector and the negligible or lack of industrial development.

In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has exerted additional pressure on the economy, particularly in terms of employment opportunities and economic devastation, culminating in a catastrophe. The government has been accused of not taking sufficient action to address these challenges, with some arguing that the measures implemented do not provide the requisite solutions to unemployment. The younger generation in J&K has similar aspirations and expectations, and their numbers are substantial. However, they have been severely disappointed. It is clear that the opportunity to secure employment and generate an income that will enable one to overcome destitution and other obstacles has not been realized, resulting in despair. This situation has also contributed to an increase in social insecurity among the youth as a result of unemployment, which has in turn led to an increase in insecurity in the region.

The democratic deficit is believed to be the result of the erosion of democratic values and the right to freedom among the people of JK. This is due to a variety of political deficiencies that have governed JK. This has prompted numerous apprehensions regarding the future of democracy in the region, as there has been no elected official to represent the interests of the people for many years, and instead, the central government holds authority.

These apprehensions have been further exacerbated by the fact that the elections have been postponed to a date that is even further from the original schedule. A significant number of individuals are concerned that the region's relatively mature independent political identity is being gradually undermined. For decades, J&K enjoyed a unique status under Article 370, which granted it a substantial degree of autonomy in contrast to other states of the Indian Union.

Thus, the forthcoming elections are fraught with significant implications. The people of J&K are also represented by them as the opportunity to fight for their democratic destiny and reclaim their political power. Nevertheless, the process of regaining democracy is arduous and fraught with complications.

The political landscape of the state has undergone a significant transformation, and the traditional political parties in the region of J&K are currently in a state of severe distress. The electoral process has become increasingly complex as a result of the extensive involvement of new political actors and the shifting of loyalty among various political actors, which has resulted in shifts in the power dynamic.

Additionally, the security environment remains relatively unstable or volatile, with the ongoing activities of militant groups and acts of violence in the region. Consequently, the primary obstacle for the authorities is the organization of free and fair elections in a hostile environment. The safety of the electors and their ability to vote are additional critical factors that will significantly influence the legitimacy of the electoral process.

The Legal Regulation of Independent Candidates and New Political Parties: Independent candidates or new political parties have entered the political arena as the strength of traditional political parties declines or is at least diluted. These candidates, may originate from a specific location, embody the populism and localized grievances that characterize the population of J&K. The current political activity in question is demonstrated through their involvement in the elections, which serves as a signal of transformation.

Nevertheless, there has been a significant amount of discussion regarding the responsibilities of these independent candidates. Opponents of independent candidacy contend that the proliferation of independent candidates may result in the dispersion of the vote, which would erode the political unity of the populace.

Additionally, there are concerns that a variety of Mai libertarians and anti-democracy actors from outside may attempt to disrupt the country's democracy in order to advance their own personal interests. Although this was accompanied by some positive aspects of the process, such as the independence of candidates, it may be viewed as a ray of democracy in J&K at present. It demonstrates the people's persistent demand for the right to vote, be elected for, and have a voice in the country's governance, despite the obstacles they faced at some point.

Given the aforementioned critical issues, the future prospects of J&K cannot be solely based on democratic institutions and employment generation, which would render economic growth in the region significant.

Political instability and security concerns have resulted in the unrealization of the region's true resources, which have the potential to attract prosperity. A clear economic strategy that addresses the fundamental issues of a high unemployment rate and thereby establishes a strong structural foundation for a democratic state is necessary to actualize the aspirations of the populace for a better life and the ability to live off their own labor.

Employment generation, education and training and skill development, transportation and communication infrastructure enhancement, and physical infrastructure investment are the primary factors that contribute to the maintenance of economic growth. The revival of the region's economy may be contingent upon the expansion of sectors that have experienced a decline, such as the tourism industry, and those that have not been extensively marketed, such as the handcraft industries, information technology, and renewable energy.

Additionally, the future of the region will be influenced by the policies of the Indian government in relation to J&K. The Prime Minister's Development Package (PMDP) will be evaluated in the future, and it is widely regarded as a straightforward method of evaluating the government's performance based on the outcomes of these initiatives.

In conclusion, it is one of the most critical points that Jammu and Kashmir has ever encountered. The stakes are high as the people of Jammu and Kashmir prepare to cast their ballots after a decade-long hiatus. These two issues have intensified the electoral processes, particularly because their results will have a lasting impact on the region's future, including the deterioration of democracy and unemployment.

The elections also provide the people of J&K with the opportunity to express themselves and, if necessary, to summon their leaders to order. However, the process of reestablishing democracy and economic development will be challenging and will require a lengthy period of time, during which both political leadership and civil society will be required to make a significant contribution. The action continues to loom ahead, laden with challenges, yet it is also the path to a fresh perspective on life and transformation.

At this juncture in history, the people of Jammu and Kashmir are in a unique position to shape their future despite the challenges they face. People will anticipate that they will be undertaking this action in order implement democracy and to create a more equitable future for all.

By: Dr. Firdous Ahmad Malik, Assistant Professor of Economics, Department of Management.

University of People, Pasadena, California, United States.

By: Owais Ismaeil, Doctoral Fellow, Centre of Advanced Study, Department of History, University of Delhi.