Kashmiris vote in Indian election not endorsement of India’s policies: Al Jazeera
Srinagar: Renowned global English-language news channel, Al Jazeera has stated that the Kashmiri people, under a changed policy, participated in the election to express their deep-seated anger towards the India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
According to Kashmir Media Service, citing voters and local politicians, the report mentioned that the participation is not an endorsement of India’s policies but rather a reflection of a dramatically changed political landscape as traditionally pro-India parties have now become vocal critics of the Indian government after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status by the Modi government in August 2019. Since then, many political leaders and activists have been arrested or jailed, leaving a power vacuum.
Traditionally pro-India parties have become vocal critics of the government, and Hurriyat leaders, who are mostly in jail, have not called for a boycott this time. As a result, parties that were once seen as sellouts to New Delhi are now being viewed as potential voices for the people.
Voters expressed concerns about the India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) policies, particularly its attempts to change the demographics of the Muslim-majority territory. They also fear the BJP’s efforts to suppress dissent and silence political opponents.
Despite the increased turnout, almost two-thirds of voters in Srinagar still skipped the election. Analysts attribute this to a deep-seated anger towards the BJP and a lack of faith in the political process.
The outcome of the elections will be closely watched, as it may indicate a shift in the political landscape of Kashmir and the future of India’s relationship with the region.
