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| Panchs, Sarpanchs Show The Way | | Yet another triumph of democracy in Jammu & Kashmir | | Neha
JAMMU, Dec 4: The otherwise badly let down, humiliated and unprotected panchayat representatives have, like the people of the state whose participation in the panchayat elections last year was massive and enthusiastic, have rebuffed, and even taunted the Pakistan-supported and funded terrorist and separatist organizations like Hizbul Mujah-ideen, Lashkar-e-Toiba and so on by participating in the electoral exercise on an unprecedented scale, leave aside a handful of pockets where certain panchs and sarpanchs virtually held aloof from the exercise for various cogent reasons. The manner in which the panchayat representatives participated in the democratic process ignoring threats to their life and limb is classical example that establishes beyond any shadow of doubt that they are interested in the growth of democracy rather than politics of auto-nomy, self-rule and secessionism, based on fanaticism. Their participation was more than 90 per cent. It is difficult to say if India has witnessed such a massive turn out in any election since 1952. Hence, it is time for all of us to rejoice and once again resolve to defeat comprehensively all the negative forces which try their best to play with the sensitivities of the people for petty votes and muddy the Indian waters, especially in the Kashmir valley, the real trouble spot and hub of anti-national activities.
The over 90 per cent participation of panchs and sarpanchs also constitutes what could be termed as the biggest defeat of the fanatics and separatists like Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Yasin Malik, Shabir Ahmad Shah and others of their ilk who have consistently opposed elections in the state saying the people's participation in the elections doesn't mean their faith in the Indian democracy and that the people participate in elections not out of choice. There is no doubt that the international community would again appreciate the participation of the grassroots level representatives in the Legislative Council elections and revise its view that the Jammu & Kashmir is a disputed territory and that the political problem afflicting the state needed to be addressed politically in order to forge a lasting peace in the Kashmir valley. The international community should appreciate the participation of the grassroots level representatives all the more because the electoral exercise took place in an exceptionally peaceful manner.
The panchs and sarpanchs deserve kudos for the courage they displayed. They deserve appreciation all the more because the political establishment in the state left no stone unturned to mislead and hoodwink them. That they participated in the election overlooking the fact that the ruling coalition did not empower them by adopting 73rd constitutional amendment in the Indian Constitution only shows how committed they are to the democratic processes. It is time for New Delhi to revise its Kashmir policy and take steps which not only empower the panchs and sarpanchs but also neutralize the influence of those seeking greater autonomy and self-governance for the state.
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