ALMOST two years since annexing occupied Jammu and Kashmir, the BJP government conducted what could only be called sham practice of local elections in the territory to falsely show normalcy in the state and superficially erase impression of being a disturbed region. Even though India stands fully exposed for its fallacy and propaganda campaign, yet Indian PM Narendra Modi shamelessly described the elections as a step towards strengthening democracy in occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Kashmir is an internationally recognised dispute fully covered by several UN Security Council resolutions and as such elections in the Valley cannot be a substitute to the resolutions that guarantee right of self determination to the Kashmiri people through a plebiscite. Therefore, if Modi junta really believes in democracy, then it must lift the military siege, withdraw security forces from the territory and allow the people of Kashmir to exercise their inalienable rights. The cosmetic steps such as local elections cannot change ground realities and as very pertinently pointed out by our Foreign Office spokesperson that these can neither deceive Kashmiris nor international community. Kashmiri people over the last many decades have rendered immense sacrifices to get freedom from Indian clutches and remain firm to their just demand.
Even pro-Indian elements in the occupied territory are now openly speaking against the tyranny and oppression of Indian regime. The Indian government must realise it can neither suppress the freedom movement through guns nor by the gimmicks such as local elections under the strict control of security forces. Though nothing good can be expected from Modi government, but it is better advised to shun the course of intransigence and move towards resolution of the outstanding dispute through dialogue with Pakistan and the genuine representatives of Kashmir. Removing this cause of conflict is also important for lasting peace and stability in the region.
