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In the last five years, Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) has seen several ups and downs.
First, it saw an alliance between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in March 2015. It also witnessed the end of the coalition in June 2018, pushing the state towards governor’s rule. Apart from the many clashes between civilians and the paramilitary forces deployed in Kashmir, the region made headlines for a terrorist attack in Uri in 2016, and the more recent strike in Pulwama — on February 14, 2019 — in which over 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel lost their lives.
These developments have made Kashmir — and the special status it has under Article 370 of the Indian Constitution — a poll issue for several political parties. Chief among them is the BJP, which garnered attention when the party symbol — the saffron lotus — was coloured green for campaigns in J&K. Former coalition partner PDP has castigated the ruling party at the Centre for including the abrogation of Article 370 in its election manifesto. Meanwhile, the Congress and the National Conference — the latter led by former J&K chief minister Farooq Abdullah — have sealed an alliance for three of the six Lok Sabha seats in the state.
The first phase of polling on April 11 saw a turnout of over 54 per cent till 5 pm, in Jammu and Baramulla constituencies. There are four more phases — on April 18, 23, 29 and May 6.
While the parties fight it out at the hustings, the average Kashmiri, especially the young, desires peace and stability above all else. Education, employment and healthcare are the topmost concerns. It remains to be seen if these general elections can deliver any of that.
Nissar Ahmad
Me too: A shikara rally in Srinagar’s Dal Lake saw BJP’s women workers flaunt #MainBhiChowkidar posters
Last minute: Farooq Abdullah campaigns in Srinagar ahead of the polls in the constituency on April 18 . Due to security reasons, polls in the neighbouring district of Anantnag will be held in three phases on April 23, 29 and May 6
Stop short: The first day of the polls also witnessed such scenes following a bandh call by the Hurriyat Conference and a few other separatist groups
Inked: A woman voter at Handwara, part of the Kupwara district, where voting was held on April 11
Public decision: After the vote on April 11, elections in Jammu & Kashmir will be held in four phases
All ears: The crowd waits for National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah’s speech at a rally in Srinagar
Catch them young: National Conference vice-president Omar Abdullah’s rally in Kunzar, Baramulla district, was well attended by young Kashmiris
I am the future: PDP president Mehbooba Mufti held a youth convention at her residence in Srinagar
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