Transformations and Challenges: Jammu and Kashmir’s Political Landscape Post Article 370 Abrogation
What changes Jammu and Kashmir saw in terms of Politics?
In Jammu and Kashmir, the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor has worked to maintain a safe environment, deterring terrorism. Street protests, civilian killings, hartals, curfews, and internet shutdowns, once prevalent, are now distant memories. Notably, global events like the G-20 meeting in 2023 were held in Jammu and Kashmir, contributing to a substantial increase in tourism across the region.
Seven months after the events of August 4, 2019, when political leaders were detained or arrested, former PDP leader Syed Muhammad Altaf Bukhari announced the launch of his new political party, Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, with the Bat symbol, during a press conference in Srinagar on March 8, 2020.
In a surprising turn of events, former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned from all posts in the Indian National Congress after 47 years of service and later announced the formation of his own party, Democratic Azad Party (DAP), which was later renamed Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) in September 2022.
As Jammu and Kashmir moved into a new era of politics, these emerging parties played a crucial role in shaping policies, raising awareness, and providing alternative visions for the region’s development. Political leaders, including former Chief Ministers, were gradually released as the situation normalized.
Seperatist politics in the valley remained subdued, with the chief of the banned organization JKLF in Tihar Jail and the passing of Syed Ali Shah Geelani in September 2021. Another separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was released from house detention in September 2023 after appeals from various political parties, religious organizations, and NGOs.
Politics in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh underwent significant changes following the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A, resulting in the bifurcation of the state into two union territories. From 2019 to 2023, the political landscape experienced various transformations, with the emergence of new parties and ideologies reflecting evolving aspirations.
Most Challenges for Security forces and Government post August 2019
Post the abrogation of Article 370, security agencies faced challenges, including handling the death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, permitting religious processions, Friday prayers at Jamia Masjid, and allowing Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to deliver his sermons.
Security forces, led by former DGP Dilbagh Singh and ADGP Law and Order Vijay Kumar, maintained law and order and took steps to prevent local youth from engaging in terrorism. Presently, RR Swaim serves as the DGP of J&K after Dilbagh Singh’s tenure.
While terrorist activities were observed in the Jammu region in the past 8-9 months, security forces have actively worked to address the challenges and maintain peace. It is crucial to note that, until 2019, Jammu and Kashmir witnessed high levels of street protests, encounters, and youth joining militancy, resulting in increased civilian and terrorist casualties.
How Politics and Seperatism politics changed after August 2019
The political developments in Jammu and Kashmir has consistently stood apart. Following the abrogation of Article 370, political activities in the region unfolded with rallies and conventions, as various political entities sought to establish their presence on the ground. While the slogan advocating the reinstatement of Article 370 through the Supreme Court resonated in Jammu and Kashmir’s political circles, it was shattered when the Indian Supreme Court, on December 11, upheld the abrogation, emphasizing that Article 370 was a temporary provision.
Seperatist politics in Jammu and Kashmir appears to be constricted, with a significant number of separatists incarcerated. Prominent leaders like Syed Ali Shah Geelani passed away in 2021, Muhammad Yasin Malikand Massarat Alam is currently held in Tihar Jail. All three of their seperatist organisations were banned by the Ministry of Home Affairs ome a year ago, other two a month ago; Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front was banned a year ago, while the Muslim League headed by Massarat Alam and Tehreeq-e-Hurriyat headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani were banned a month ago.
Hurriyat Conference chairman and religious preacher Mirwaiz Umar Farooq was confined to his house in Nigeen Srinagar, andwas later released in September 2023. Ideologically, Mirwaiz’s first speech after more than four years in Jamia Masjid was seen as a changing moment in separatist politics, as he also praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his remarks on the Russia-Ukraine war.
Furthermore, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq’s recent visit to Delhi was recognized as a significant political development in Jammu and Kashmir. However, Mirwaiz himself termed his Delhi visit as a personal one rather than a political visit.
Political experts speculate that Mirwaiz’s Delhi visit holds a big political developments likelihood of taking place in near future ahead of the elections scheduled for April this year. Interestingly, the days ahead are likely to unfold new political developments in Jammu and Kashmir.