After a decade, the first Kashmir elections 2024 have offered people a voice after years of unrest. In 2019, India revoked Kashmir’s autonomy, leaving it under federal control for the past five years. Numerous concerns linger over how much power the newly elected government will have. Moreover, the region remains under the control of a federal-appointed Lieutenant Governor.
Kashmir has recently held its first local elections in a decade, offering people a chance to finally voice their concerns. Since the 1990s, the region has faced violence due to a separatist movement against Indian rule, leading to thousands of deaths. In 2019, the Indian government revoked Kashmir’s autonomy. This rule left it under federal control with no local representation for the past five years. The Kashmir elections 2024 will play a significant role in the peace and prosperity of the region.
Now, many Kashmiris hope the elections will help them regain some control over their lives. Voters like Mohammad Yusuf Ganai express frustration over severe poverty and a lack of jobs, with educated youth sitting at home without opportunities.
The elections have seen high voter turnout. It signals a shift from previous years when elections were marred by violence and boycotts. People are eager for local representation, hoping their new leaders will address their concerns. The major problems include the economy, development, and the unresolved political status of Jammu and Kashmir.
Engineer Rashid is a politician who has been in jail since 2019. He was released on bail to campaign and has drawn large crowds. Rashid, along with other regional leaders, wants to address the region’s political challenges, including the loss of autonomy.
Meanwhile, the ruling BJP, which revoked Kashmir’s autonomy, is attempting to convince voters that their policies have brought peace and development to the region. However, many Kashmiris remain skeptical, particularly in the Muslim-majority areas where the party has limited influence.
As the election results are awaited, there is hope, but also concern about how much power the new government will truly have, as the region remains under the control of a federal-appointed Lieutenant Governor. Many are watching closely to see if these elections will bring meaningful change or if the central government will maintain its grip on the region.
