Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement in Udhampur this week regarding the conduct of assembly elections and the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir marks a significant and much-anticipated step forward. This news has come as a good news for the people of J&K and would go a long way in strengthening democracy in the region, allowing its people to have their own elected representatives who can take policy decisions for the betterment of this state. PM Modi’s words of assurance have been appreciated across the board in J&K, and, if implemented sooner after the Lok Sabha elections, would serve to improve accountability and strengthen the people’s trust in the idea of a democratic, inclusive and secular India.
The announcement has particularly brought hope and reassurance to the people of Jammu and Kashmir because it has come from the highest executive authority, which is being intrepreted as the centre’s commitment to empowering J&K’s population by giving them a voice in their own governance. If the Assembly elections would come soon after the Lok Sabha elections, the people of the region will have the chance to elect their own legislators and ministers after a long time. This is a positive development that will ensure local voices are heard and respected in the decision-making processes.
The restoration of statehood and the establishment of a functional legislative assembly would also enhance accountability in Jammu and Kashmir. The upcoming elections provide an opportunity for the widespread participation of the people in the electoral process, including new young voters. This shift would instill confidence in the state’s population, particularly among those who may have been skeptical about voting in the past. Elected representatives will be answerable to their constituents for the policies and decisions they make, leading them to prioritize the welfare and progress of the people they serve. Additionally, the process allows for grievances to be addressed and issues to be resolved effectively.
Holding assembly elections and restoring statehood in Jammu and Kashmir in a free and transparent manner would make the country proud for its unwavering trust in the principles of inclusive democracy and secularism. A likely large participation of the people of J&K in a renewed democratic process would lay the foundation for a new era of prosperity and harmony in Jammu & Kashmir, rooted in the principles of democracy, accountability, and trust.
