Srinagar: The streets of Kashmir, once resounding with cries for complete “freedom”, are now brimming with new voices advocating a different kind of revolution – a revolution through the ballot box, as seen in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory (UT).
New slogans such as “Vote for revenge against prisons” and “Vote for revenge against injustice” gained support, and calls for revolution by democratic means, putting separatism and militancy on the back burner, became central.
In recent weeks, discussions and debates about candidates, policies and the power of the vote have taken center stage in offices, marketplaces, homes, cafes and other places across the Valley, as candidates and their supporters urged people to transform their grievances into powerful electoral forces.
Election slogans at political rallies of jailed independent candidate Engineer Rashid had taken on the intensity of separatist rallies of the past, but the new slogans appealed to those disillusioned with mainstream parties in the Valley and were part of a “boycott politics”.
Similar slogans were also heard during the election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in Srinagar LS constituency Waheed-ur-Rehman Para, influencing voter turnout in an area where separatist sentiments run strong.
Facing a 19-month prison sentence under sections of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and released on bail by the court in 2022, Parra also managed to motivate a large number of young people who were angry with the system and turn their discontent into a powerful electoral force.
Such slogans galvanised supporters at rallies for Mehbooba Mufti, the PDP leader running for election from the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency. Early in her political career, Mufti was known for challenging the establishment and preaching soft separatism.
Bilal Wani, a voter in the southern district of Pulwama, said they had always cried out for “freedom,” but “this time they are trying to change the system from within.”
“The slogan is powerful – ‘Jail them, we can vote’ – it means we can fight back not just with our voices but with our votes,” said Wani, who was once a staunch supporter of election boycotts. DH.
Iqra, a passionate young woman who lost her brother in a skirmish with security forces, shared similar feelings.
“We have suffered so much, but if we can channel our pain and anger into the democratic process, maybe we can finally bring about the change we need. Our voice in Congress and in Parliament will be our resistance,” she said.
With the parliamentary elections having concluded successfully and the people eagerly awaiting the parliamentary elections, the new slogan not only changed the course of the election but also ignited new hope and the belief that change is possible through peaceful means.
Published May 26, 2024 05:40 IST
