Kashmir’s vote for statehood

The recently concluded elections in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) were not just a political exercise but a cry for dignity from the people under siege. Since being stripped of their statehood and autonomy in 2019, Kashmiris have lived through some of the darkest days of occupation, with their voices stifled and freedoms crushed.

They have endured an unyielding crackdown, while the BJP's iron-fisted policies sought to erase their identity and subjugate their will. In this election, the people defied the shadows of oppression, rallying behind candidates who dared to promise the unthinkable—the restoration of their homeland’s statehood. The results echo a deep yearning for justice and self-determination, a bold assertion of identity against the relentless weight of India’s occupation.

Kashmiris have sent a resounding message: they unequivocally reject New Delhi’s manoeuvres since the abrogation of the region’s special status on August 5, 2019, which downgraded it into a federally administered territory. Deep-rooted anti-India sentiment pervades the disputed Himalayan region, which has witnessed decades of armed resistance.

Despite attempts to undermine their political agency—whether through the creation of new political factions, projecting certain figures as reformists, or releasing jailed politicians to destabilize existing power structures—Kashmiris have demonstrated a sharp political acumen that has outwitted these efforts. Their actions show a deeper understanding of the political landscape, demonstrating themselves way better than the BJP has assessed.

Despite a history of boycotts and low voter turnout in Kashmir’s local assembly elections, many saw this as the first chance to voice their dissatisfaction with the Modi government’s removal of Article 370. Kashmiri political parties were confronted with a difficult dilemma: participating in the polls could lend legitimacy to New Delhi, while abstaining might hand the BJP an advantage in governance.

Ultimately, many chose to engage in the electoral process to counter the BJP's influence. The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) led by Omar Abdullah, and its ally, the Indian National Congress, secured a decisive victory in the disputed region’s first state election since 2014. The National Conference (NC) claimed 42 of the 90 seats, with Congress adding 8 more, bringing the alliance's total to 50.

This victory comes in the backdrop of the region’s ongoing struggle for statehood, a promise yet to be fulfilled by the Modi government. In their election manifesto, the JKNC and INC expressed their determination to restore Article 370, stating their readiness to pursue legal action in the Supreme Court if required. Thus, when they emerged victorious, people across IIOJK celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour.

The BJP's acquisition of 29 seats in held Kashmir represents the party's most impressive showing in the region to date. However, Narendra Modi’s scheming efforts to have his party seize power in Kashmir were decisively crushed, as the BJP faced defeat in the first election since the national government revoked the region’s autonomy and statehood.

Both the JKNC and the PDP (People’s Democratic Party), led by Mehbooba Mufti, which secured only three seats in this election, pledged to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during their campaigns that they would serve as facilitators for constructive dialogue between India and Pakistan in order to bring a permanent and lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir. While acknowledging the challenges of restoring Article 370 under the current government in New Delhi and recognizing the significant limitations placed on the new state assembly's powers, the leadership of JKNC stressed that this issue remains a cornerstone of the party’s political agenda.

The Kashmir state assembly has been diminished to the status of a municipality, with most powers, including policing and the appointment of officials, transferred to the Lieutenant Governor, which is appointed by New Delhi. The Lieutenant Governor now also possesses the authority to appoint five additional nominated members, increasing the total strength of the assembly to 95 and raising the majority threshold to 48, which JKNC-Congress alliance successfully surpassed. This structural manipulation underscores the ongoing infringement of Kashmiri rights rather than a genuine reflection of democratic will.

However, as the dust settles on these pivotal elections, the results reveal more than just a political outcome—they reflect the unshakable resolve of the Kashmiri people. By backing candidates who promise the restoration of statehood, the people have made their aspirations clear: they reject subjugation and yearn for justice. The message to New Delhi is undeniable—Kashmir will not be silenced.

The writer is Assistant Research Associate at IPRI