The largest democracy of the world, India, is in the middle of electing its next parliament. It is a big deal all over India and Kashmir is no different but for distinct reasons. Kashmiris are debating whether they want to participate in these elections or not. Those who oppose any participation argue that voting means acceptance of India's rule in Kashmir. While those in favor of voting believe it is not related to the right of self determination. The most prominent voice against the elections being that of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the leader of Hurriyat(G) organization, seeking the right of self determination.
There is another faction of Hurriyat(M) led by Molvi Umar Farooq. This organization initially declared that elections and struggle for freedom are two separate issues and refused to call for boycott. However, the people's reaction soon made them reconsider their opinion and they joined Geelani and other separatist organizations calling for the boycott of these elections.
Although pro-india Kashmiri parties which include National conference and Peoples democratic party have been, and are, in support of the elections, they still believe that Kashmir issue needs to be resolved regardless of the elections. The stand of these parties is as always expected.
There was a significant development though. One of the prominent pro-freedom leaders, Sajad Lone, decided to run for the elections. His reason, he wants to represent Kashmir in India. He argues that he still wants freedom from India but he will fight this in the parliament of India. Strong change of approach, but it seems like oxymoron, to me. Whenever you run for an election you automatically accept the constitution of that country and how can you fight the same constitution in the parliament that has been created based on the very constitution, that you are against.
Democracy in India allows the freedom to be in either camp: support elections or not. However, there is a difference between what is on paper and the reality on ground. The reality is that all the people supporting boycott are treated ruthlessly(see picture below). This is the tolerance for dissent and a display of democracy on ground in Kashmir.
 Source: Picture in Daily Rising Kashmir dated 29 April 2009 by Farooq Javed |
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