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| KPs can change political landscape | | | Early Times Reporter
Jammu | Feb 11
Political Analysis
After a decade and half of political isolation, finally there is a good omen that the Kashmiri Pandits have made up their mind to contest the assembly elections.
The displaced Kashmiri Pandits after their exodus from the Valley in 1990s had been completely politically sidelined. The reason was that neither they took any initiative of participation in the mainstream political process and nor did any major party make any significant attempt at seeking their role.
Being a fringe watcher of the politics since 1990s, the Kashmiri Pandits could not become a part of the political decision making process. Though the previous National Conference regime and the present coalition arrangement did offer some space to the Pandits in legislature and ministry but this was more ceremonial in nature.
A recently floated organization of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, the Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front, today announced its decision to contest the forthcoming assembly elections in the state. It is to be keenly watched as how many seats the Kashmiri Pandits are able to contest, win or influence but their participation is certainly going to redefine the political landscape of the Kashmir Valley.
The decision of the KP migrants' outfit can also be seen in the light of United Jehad Council statement that militants won't resort to violence to force the election boycott in Jammu and Kashmir. If UJC, its umbrella outfits and other militant organization stick to their word of not resorting to violence, the Kashmiri Pandits are poised to make a significant influence in Valley, particularly in Central Kashmir and South Kashmir district of Anantnag.
The political analysts are, however, cautious about the announcement of the J&K National Democratic Front. "It has to be carefully seen whether they actually participate in the larger political process or just mount pressure for future negotiations with certain political parties", said a political observer. He added, if they actually participate in the process and contest elections, the Kashmiri Pandits can become a force to reckon with".
"We want to get political rights for the community in the state and in this direction we have decided to contest the forthcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir," JKNDF National Convenor, R K Mattoo and its Working President A D Dewani told reporters here today.
Through elections we will regain the political rights and will be stake holders in the governing apparatus, Mattoo and Dewani, who organised a one-day convention here, said. A screening committee was also constituted during the convention to work out the modalities and identify the potential candidates to be fielded from selected constituencies, Mattoo said.
The convention, through a resolution, demanded respectable rehabilitation package for Kashmiri Hindus, including those living in the valley, granting of minority status under Jammu and Kashmir constitution, setting up of special advisory board to look into specific demands of Kashmiri Hindus, employment package for Kashmiri Hindu youth, passage of temple bill and allotment of quarters to those living in camps as well as non camps, Dewani said
Alleging that the political parties, including the ruling coalition, in the state have not even shown lip sympathy towards the hapless community, he said they needed to be exposed for their biased approach. The idea of floating a political force was to empower the common man of his rights under the constitution, Mattoo said, adding that the party will open its units in all metros in the country. |
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