Political disagreements shouldn't break our bonds

Dear Fellow Citizens,

Assembly elections are going on in a free and fair manner. But is important for us to think on the values that should guide our behaviour as responsible members of society during these elections. Since the elections are already in progress, we are in a pivotal period where we have the chance to contribute to the shaping our society. These elections provide us an opportunity to take part in the democratic process and ensure that our collective voice helps steer the course of our shared future. They provide us the chance to express our opinions and play our role in the democratic process that defines us.

We need to engage thoughtfully, to consider the impact of our actions or choice and to keep it into our mind that beyond the differences in political opinions and party affiliations, at the end we are members of a shared community. The Assembly elections are a platform for us to come together & engage in meaningful discourse. Unfortunately, our conduct and behaviour observed during election campaigns now a days have been deeply concerning & disheartening.

The sight of youngsters getting embroiled in divisive politics is stressful. These young minds, the future of our nation, should be engaging in constructive discussions and learning about the democratic process in a way that ensure understanding and mutual respect. Instead, they are being drawn into the vortex of political partisanship that facilitates division and discord in the society. This trend not only hampers their growth but also jeopardises the very fabric of unity and harmony that is important for the prosperity of the society.

Furthermore, it has become common to witness political parties indulging in mudslinging and derogatory exchanges during these elections which is very unfortunate. Dignified platform of political discourse has been marred by personal attacks, accusations not political in nature, and the spreading of misinformation. This kind of negative campaigning only serves to polarise the society fuelling animosity among people who have lived together as neighbours, friends, and family for generations. Is this the legacy (legacy of bitterness and division) we wish to leave behind for the future generations!

The slogans filled with bitterness have become a hallmark of election campaigns are equally alarming. Such slogans seem harmless or even humorous to some, but they have the capability to incite and deepen divides amongst ourselves. No doubt, such slogans generate an atmosphere of hostility, where political rivalry overshadows the need for constructive debate & discussions. The true essence of democracy lies in the ability to be part of dialogue and discussion and to disagree respectfully.

When political discourse is reduced to a mere shouting match of slogans, we lose the opportunity to learn and to make informed, rational decisions about future of our community. Another disheartening context of election campaigns is the recklessness with which people risk their lives by riding on the roofs of vehicles during rallies. Not only this but vehicles engaged in election rallies are seen overcrowded with the supporters of the party & candidates. Such behaviour is not only dangerous and have potential to cause loss of lives but also sets a poor example all over the world. A candidate or party leader concerned with power show politics should be at least bothered about lives of his supports. We claim to be a civilised society, hence our behaviour should depict the same on ground.  These rallies and gatherings should be designed in a manner that is safe and respectful of the law of the land.

Remember, no political cause is worth the loss of life or injury. Safety and well-being of an individual should always be the priority. One more troubling consequences of these campaigns is the impact it has on personal relationships. In the heat of political rivalry, we forget that our fellow citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, are our friends, neighbours, and family with whom we have to live always. We have seen many such examples where political differences have led to the breakdown of personal relationships.

People have severed ties with fellow members over politics, turning what should be a process of collective decision-making into a battleground. This is not really the way democracy should function. Our bonds we share with each other are far more valuable than political disagreement which is a natural thing in a society. We must strive to maintain these connections to respect each other’s viewpoints, even when we carry disagreement.

We take a step back and reconsider our approach to elections and other similar activities. Principles of mutual respect, tolerance, and unity should always stand paramount that form the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Elections are always an opportunity for constructive debate, not for spreading discord and hatred in the society. We need to strive for campaigns that are based on issues and solutions, not on insults and accusations. Furthermore, we must hold ourselves accountable for our actions and words as we  a collective responsibility to ensure that the election process is conducted in a way  that upholds the dignity and integrity of our society. Refraining from divisive rhetoric, respecting the diversity of opinions, and prioritising the safety and well-being of everyone is need to the hour and we must work for it as soon as possible as there is no scope for delay.

The essence of democracy lies in the power of the people to make informed, rational, and respectful choices & decision. We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to preserve the sanctity of the democracy and process involved in it. We should together as fellow citizens with a shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful Jammu & Kashmir.

By acting responsibly and decently during this election period, we will be able to set a standard for what it means to be an active and respectful participant in the democracy. Let us take this opportunity to show that ours is a land of wisdom, unity, and hope, where community bonds are cherished above all. The strength of any democracy lies not in the number of votes cast but in the quality of the discourse and the respect we show for each other throughout the process.