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| Indications of imminent change | | | COL J P SINGH
Zamane mein yahi nishan hai zinda qaum ka
Ke subhe sham badalti hain us ki taqdiren.
A lot has been written and spoken about elections in J&K. Lot more may follow with flood gates opening after the visit of prominent Congress, BJP and BSP leaders. I too intend telling the same tale by putting across some views with appeal to interpret the happenings and events in J&K prior this election a little more seriously. Many elections have so far been held in J&K some after a gap of 9 years. But whenever such an exercise has been conducted it turned out to be different because it always drew world attention with Pakistan whistling loudly each time. This time election is lot more different domestically because it follows a 62 days long ordeal created by none other than the previous govt/election in which Jammu sent large number of Congress MLAs and the valley elected good number of PDP legislatures. They joined and formed coalition govt. Jammuites hoped that their representatives will balance the imbalances and tilt the tide in their favour. Since Jammu had to go through such an ordeal despite that, it needs no more evidence to prove that a mistake had occurred in making such judgment at that point of time. This regret is going to live with us longer. The lesson learnt therefore is not to repeat the past blunders. Unexpected turn out in the initial phases is an indicator of major transformation in the offing. Sudden emotive mass upsurge of anger in the valley and Jammu ignited by Congress-PDP coalition was a sure sign of their rejection. Enthusiastic participation is a sign of revenge. One month back political stalwarts expected a low turn out. But the voter is clever and wise. He has outwitted them. He can’t be intimidated. This perception holds the hope that this election will spring surprises. Having seen unprecedented united mass agitations in both regions it may not be a tall claim should the public aspire transformation. Therefore it is up to the people of Jammu region to think judiciously in the interest of Region before casting their vote and defeat the politicians and the parties which have harmed the interest of the region for their petty gains. Main issues before Jammu are delimitation & discrimination. Appeasement of Kashmir is an eye sore for Jammu & Ladakh. Issue before Kashmir is peace, good governance and development. Public expects new MLAs to address the issues of discrimination & delimitation and respect the sentiments of public under normal circumstances. Every vote is important for the formation of govt and hence subsequent phases should have more turn out. Therefore the people of Jammu should vote for the candidates who accept the existence of discrimination against Jammu region and pledge to fight against it. Voter should keep in mind that he/she in not the one who has done nothing for Jammu when in power and is not one of those who trampled our sentiments under their feet during the Land row. The voter from the valley is expected to vote for peace and stability. The idea of making this point is to make the voter understand the impact of misjudgment on our future. Every Indian is proud of democracy. Elections offer an opportunity to dump the unwanted legislatures after every 5/6 years. This is the beauty of election. It is a tool in our hands to change the govt if found wanting. Hence high turn out is indicator of change. Election holds hope and opportunities towards future progress and prosperity. The real test of govt comes when it is faced with challenges and calamities. Azad and Mufti miserably failed in addressing the issues properly in both regions thus giving a severe blow to democracy, communal harmony and secularism. By buckling under pressure of separatists they demoralized the nationalist forces in the state. They subjected their legislatures to public furry and their lives and property to great risk whereas themselves went underground. The question before us is ‘can they be trusted again’? Other questions are, can a law breaker( land grabbers, bribe takers, commission eaters, liars, sycophants, separatists & intimidators) be law makers? Can a gentleman vote for or support such candidates? After grinding the public under the wheels of tyranny for 62 days, those who seek another term should be paid back to make the election meaningful and memorable because the public has the choice, the stakes ( recent terror attack in Mumbai) and the world is watching. –If you want to leave your foot prints on the sands of time, don’t drag your feet. |
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