The collective autism of Kashmir’s political elite
The English dictionary defines Autism as “a development disorder of variable severity characterised by difficulty in social interaction and communication restricted by repetitive patterns of thought and behaviour”, now referred to as ASD. The past and present political leadership in Kashmir, seem to have sunk into a collective political autism, characterised by their failure to adapt and evolve after abrogation of Article 370 . This term autism, is not used here in the clinical sense but as a metaphor for a self-imposed detachment and denial from political realities, summarises how Kashmir’s politicians have, shown a profound inability to engage meaningfully with the new political landscape. Abrogation of Article 370 was defining moment. Deprived of its special status, the region’s political leadership was suddenly exposed into a new reality. The natural outcome of this reality should have got the leaders across party lines together to develop a Common Minimum Political Agenda to address the altered reality. It required them to think about collective reimagining of Kashmir’s future. Yet, they showed no political character or vision. What should have been a moment of political evolution, driven by an understanding of a new set of realities, devolved into hollow statements.
What we are witnessing today is nothing short of a descent into conditioned learning—a behaviour akin to political survivalism without substance. The most telling symptom of this deficiency is their silence, or at best muted responses, to critical issues that affect the everyday lives of the people of Kashmir.
Where is the leadership that was once vocal about autonomy and self-governance? Where is the roadmap for economic revival or the restoration of local political rights? The absence of any substantive discourse or unified front is alarming. Instead of addressing core issues—political disenfranchisement, socio-economic collapse, and the psychological toll of a prolonged state of uncertainty—what we see is a leadership that has resigned itself to irrelevance. A leadership that has become too comfortable in a state of conditioned submission, lacking the courage to challenge or even question their role in the new political dispensation. At the heart of this collective failure lies a severe character deficit. The abrogation of Article 370 was a moment that required not just political acumen, but moral courage. The political elite had all the readings and understanding necessary to develop a comprehensive response. This is a learned behaviour—a form of political dependence nurtured over decades of compromise. political elite stand at crossroads they can either continue down this path of learned helplessness and dependence, or they can break free of these shackles and reassert their political relevance. This would require unlearning years of political conditioning and rediscovering the values of leadership, character, and courage. If the political class in Kashmir is to regain the trust of its people, it must demonstrate that it is capable of putting the collective interest above individual survival.
The first step in this direction would be to start advocating, with renewed vigour, for the rights, dignity, and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Kashmir’s political elite cannot afford to remain in a state of collective autism or conditioned learning any longer. The time has come for them to rise above their dependence and chart a new course. The stakes are too high—politically, economically, and socially—for them to continue with business as usual. Whether they choose to evolve or remain shackled to old habits will determine the future of Kashmir’s political landscape for years to come.
The mute behaviour of Kashmir’s civil society and clerical establishment, traditionally seen as the moral compass and cultural voice of the people is equally deafening. Their collective inaction and disengagement are a mirror reflection of the political elite’s paralysis, sanctifying themselves by choosing not to be part of the discourse. Historically, Kashmir’s civil society has played a critical role in shaping political dialogue and social reform.
Whether it was during periods of intense political repression or times of relative peace, civil society and clerics had a duty to speak truth to power, to provide moral clarity, and to represent the aspirations of the common people. However, in the face of such monumental political and social upheaval, their decision to remain silent—or worse, to align subtly with the prevailing powers—reveals a profound lack of conviction This failure to offer guidance during such a critical juncture is not just a moral lapse; it is a fundamental betrayal of the roles they are expected to play in the social fabric of Kashmir.
Maulana Sajad Noumani’s recent appeal stands out as a rare voice of clarity and urgency. His call to the people of Kashmir to form a credible political force capable of collectively representing their political aspirations within the new political dispensation is a rallying cry; an invitation to embrace a new political reality with purpose and unity. Maulana’s call, tragically, fell on deaf ears, especially among those sitting on the highest pedestals of Kashmir’s political establishment. Maulana Nomani’s appeal carried the weight of a sincere desire to realign political leadership with the needs and aspirations of the common people This unwillingness to seize the opportunity to organise a credible political front exposes a deeper issue—Kashmir’s political elite have become more concerned with self-preservation than with creating a political force that can actually represent the interests of their people This inability to break free from their conditioned roles has left them incapable of leading the charge for a new political movement. In failing to heed this call, they have demonstrated their lack of vision and character, reinforcing the need for a new generation of leaders who can rise to the occasion and truly represent the aspirations of the people of Kashmir.
Kashmir needs voices that can speak with clarity and conviction, offering a new way forward. The legitimization of the current political mess through inaction must end. It is time for all sectors of society to engage meaningfully, reclaim their moral authority, and work toward a future that genuinely reflects the aspirations of the people. The question that remains is: will the people of Kashmir continue to tolerate this political charade, or will they demand a leadership that is truly accountable and aligned with their aspirations.
Dr. Farooq Wasil, a published author, and an educationist, currently CAO of Vasal education group and Founding Director of Thinksite Services Private Limited. He has over four decades of experience in the field of Education Management—setting up, operating and managing schools.
