Massive polling does not mean Kashmiris want to be attached

-DR. ABDUL RUFF COLACHAL

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Kahsmiri mandate in the state poll is fragmented just as the opinions are divided in the vexed region.

Notwithstanding the massive voter turnout in Kashmir, the sentiment of separatism remains a key structural factor. Ignoring it amounts to the proverbial ‘Ostrich in the sand’ syndrome. Political space in the state is inchoate and fragmented.

People in Kashmir valley have opted and voted for their own “Kashmiri” Muslim representatives of Kashmiri parties like PDP and NC.  Even though the PDP has emerged as the single largest party in Kashmir, the difference between it and the NC in terms of vote share is very narrow. Even the lone BJP MLA chosen by Kashmiri Muslims is also a Kashmiri Muslim.

Kashmiri Muslims do not trust others because they fear them as they are being controlled by Indian military. Separatism remains the dominant sentiment in Kashmir. While there may be a disconnect between separatists and the people of the state, separatism remains an ever present, dominant reality of Kashmir. Cutting across the political spectrum, India can prolong the crisis but cannot do it away any time in future. So, retaining Jammu Kashmir as an integral part of India can at the best be a wishful  thinking. .

The mainstream political space is taken by the key actors are Omar Abdullah of NC and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed - the patron of the PDP. 

The key question here is: given the fragmented political space in Kashmir, who can capture the imagination of Kashmiris?  Which of the two can best work for Kashmir?  Ideally a blend of both but it will have to be either of the two. 

Kashmir is in flux where the older cohort of Kashmiris is gradually giving way to Kashmir’s gen next - the future of Kashmir, will not be easily swayed by either catchy slogans of “development and governance”. This young cohort is highly educated, self aware, aspirational, to some extent self-centered, connected to and aware of the world beyond Kashmir. They would want to be treated as thinking, reflective adults. The aspirations, trajectory and direction of this youth cohort are the key to the future of Kashmir. They like honor and want to rule Kashmir on their own.

 The nature and substance of politics that young Kashmiris in the valley will likely gyrate to  would be in the nature of clean politics which accords them a life and future defined by dignity, honour, including an honorable peace, and a  future in which they have a robust and vigorous stake. 

In the just occluded poll, Kashmiri youth came to vote  in large numbers,  to ascertain their rights. But it is wrong to conclude that they want to continue to  a vote bank for India.