The elections are over. People came out to vote in good numbers and so did those against the elections. Although a large population did cast her vote willingly, the might of Indian army was used to prevent others from freely expressing their anti election sentiments. As people swarmed to cast their vote in certain areas, other areas were swarmed by the police to prevent any expression of dissent. Unannounced curfew was imposed. For seven consecutive friday's no prayer was allowed at the biggest mosque of Srinagar. This election exposes many. Kashmiri people who swarmed the valley streets against Indian occupation in June 2008, came out to cast vote in December. They voted in the elections held under the Indian constitution. This is oxymoron. Is it the win of Indian democracy, let us not forget its intolerance to any dissent. Or, is it the failure of the separatist movement which seemed so powerful in June. My take is, it is neither India's win nor Separatists loss, it is a different ball game altogether. It is the people's game. People of kashmir are choosing who to back and when. Indian democracy or separatists are not the ones maneuvering people but it is the other way round. Both India and the separatists happen to be the players on the bench and the people of Kashmir choose who to back. Neither one could claim any victory over people and they are unable to understand the Kashmiris. Is it because Kashmirs are so complicated?
One aspect is clear, Kashmiris are unpredictable. It is not clear what they want. It may be because they are really confused themselves or may be neither India nor the separatists really understand them. It is completely possible that Kashmiris don't trust either one. I would put my chips on the latter one. Neither one has demonstrated the character that could be trusted. At the same time I believe Kashmiris need a little introspection and could come out in the open to express what they really want. The situation is already complicated enough to need any further complications. People of kashmir would do themselves and others greater good if they made up their mind and voiced it clear.
