Kashmiris for roads, water & jobs

SRINAGAR: After 20 years of uncertainty, the ballot triumphed over bullet in Kashmir, raising hopes of a peaceful and better life in the Valley. Kashmiris have consciously crafted a new course for themselves at a time when holding elections were deemed risky, not because of threats from militants but because of new-found separatism ignited by the Amanath land row.

That is perhaps why the militants did not employ intimidating tactics this time. And that brought out the best issues that take a voter to the polling booth, like sarak, paani and rozgar (roads, water and employment). An important attraction for the voter — who has given up hope of better jobs and better living — was the promise of self-rule and autonomy by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC).

“People voted because their day-to-day problems need a solution. They want better prospects. And mainstream parties dealt with these issues in their manifestos,” said Noor Baba, head of political science department, Kashmir University.

Baba says de-linking of the Kashmir resolution from elections by the NC struck a chord with the voters. “The NC openly proclaimed that these elections will have no bearing on the resolution of Kashmir. That went down well with a lot of people,” Baba said.

Resolution apart, local issues played a key role in drawing the silent voter to the polling booths in the separatist heartland.

“I am for Azadi, but I consciously decided to vote because I need a job for my daughter,” Haji Bibi said. Afshana Gul of Habakadal said, “I am a graduate and I have been jobless for three years now. The local candidate promised me an Anganwadi job,” she said.

Not everybody voted for their bread and butter, though. “When militancy erupted, we supported the JKLF to save our lives. Otherwise, we are committed to Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Abdullah. That is why I have voted for the NC after 20 years,” said Sultan Guru in Karanagar.