SRINAGAR: It has been six years since the Indian government, led by the BJP, imposed direct military and police administration in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), with the region yet to see a locally elected political government.
This situation persists despite claims by New Delhi of upholding democratic values.
The direct rule was initiated on June 19, 2018, following the resignation of Mehbooba Mufti, then Chief Minister and President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), after the BJP withdrew support from her coalition government.
The situation intensified on August 5, 2019, when the Modi government controversially abrogated Articles 370 and 35A, removing the special status previously granted to IIOJK. The territory was subsequently divided into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh — without local consent, exacerbating tensions and dissent among the residents.
This move has drawn severe criticism from regional political parties such as the National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, as well as various factions within Indian politics, who decry the autocratic style of governance imposed by the central government.
Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference, expressed his disillusionment with the Indian democratic claims versus the reality in IIOJK, stating on Twitter: “‘Democracy is in our veins, it is in our culture’; ‘India is the mother of democracy’; ‘India is the temple of democracy’.
Meanwhile, J&K completes 6 years under central [Delhi] rule today. Democracy ends where J&K begins.”
The prolonged imposition of direct rule has led to increased alienation and frustration among the people of IIOJK, with numerous reports of protests, shutdowns, and alleged human rights violations.
The territory’s residents advocate for their right to self-determination, a principle supported by relevant UN Security Council resolutions.
The ongoing dispute continues to draw international concern, with calls for a peaceful resolution to restore rights and autonomy to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
