Occupied Kashmir Elections and Legitimacy Crisis

The article discusses the recent legislative elections held in Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) in three phases from September 18 to October 1, 2024, following an Indian Supreme Court verdict. The National Conference (NC) and Congress alliance won 50 out of 90 seats, with BJP securing 29 seats and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) only 3 seats. This election marks the end of over five years of governor rule in the region. The NC-Congress government, expected to be led by Omer Abdullah, seeks to restore statehood to J&K, which was revoked in 2019 with the abrogation of Article 370. Despite the election’s high voter turnout of 63.45%, questions remain about the legitimacy of the new government, as the region continues to face the consequences of New Delhi’s direct control and the ongoing conflict over statehood and autonomy.

Dr. Ahmar examines the deeper legitimacy crisis in J&K, explaining how India’s control over the region remains challenged by international law and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolutions that call for a plebiscite to determine J&K’s future. He points out that holding local elections, despite their turnout, does not resolve the larger issue of occupation and repression in the region. The article concludes that unless India restores full statehood and respects the will of J&K’s people, the region will remain in Turmoil.

                                                                                     Overview

– Main Focus: Legislative elections in Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, legitimacy of the new government, and the ongoing conflict over statehood and autonomy.

– Key Points:

  – NC-Congress alliance wins the elections, with Omer Abdullah likely to become Chief Minister.

  – High voter turnout gives a semblance of legitimacy to the new government.

  – The revocation of Article 370 and the control of J&K by New Delhi remain contentious issues.

  – Legitimacy crisis persists as India fails to honor UNSC resolutions for a plebiscite in the region.

                                                                                    NOTES

1. International Relations:

   – Importance of international law in conflict zones like Kashmir.

   – Impact of UNSC resolutions on the Kashmir conflict.

   – Role of local elections in conflict resolution versus international legal frameworks.

2. Pakistan Affairs:

   – Understanding Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue.

   – The significance of Article 370 and its impact on J&K’s autonomy.

3. Current Affairs:

   – Recent elections in J&K and the ongoing dispute between India and Pakistan over Kashmir.

   – Political dynamics in J&K, including the role of political parties like NC, Congress, BJP, and PDP.

4. Governance and Public Administration:

   – The governance structure in Jammu & Kashmir post-abrogation of Article 370.

   – Challenges of restoring statehood in conflict-ridden regions under direct central government control.

5. Foreign Policy:

   – India’s strategy towards J&K and its implications for regional stability.

   – Pakistan’s diplomatic position on the Kashmir conflict and UNSC resolutions.

                                                               Relevance to CSS/PMS Subjects/Syllabus

– Pakistan Affairs: Role of Pakistan in the Kashmir conflict and the implications of Indian policies on Pakistan’s foreign and domestic politics.

– International Law: The legal aspects of Kashmir’s disputed status under UNSC resolutions.

– Current Affairs: The impact of the recent elections in J&K on the broader regional conflict.

– Political Science: Issues of legitimacy and governance in conflict zones

                                                                       Explanation for Beginners

This article addresses the elections held in the Indian-occupied region of Jammu & Kashmir after years of direct control by the Indian government. Despite high voter turnout, the region still faces challenges regarding its political status, as it seeks to restore autonomy (statehood) which was revoked by India in 2019. The article also delves into the broader historical context of Kashmir’s disputed status between India and Pakistan, pointing out that India’s actions violate international resolutions calling for a fair vote on the region’s future.

                                                                              Facts and Figures

– Voter Turnout: 63.45% in the recent J&K elections.

– Seats Secured: NC-Congress alliance: 50 seats; BJP: 29 seats; PDP: 3 seats.

– UNSC Resolutions: Passed in 1948 and 1949, calling for a plebiscite in J&K.

To sum up, This article provides a strong case study of conflict resolution, international law, and governance in disputed territories. For competitive exams aspirants, understanding the Kashmir issue is essential not just for Pakistan Affairs, but also for International Relations and Current Affairs. The dynamics of legitimacy, governance, and international mediation efforts in Kashmir are key to grasping the broader challenges of regional diplomacy and conflict resolution.

                                                                         Difficult Words and Meanings