In a significant interview with The Hindu, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the Hurriyat chairperson and Kashmir’s chief cleric, shared his perspective on the recent Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. While the Hurriyat has historically advocated for a boycott of elections, Farooq acknowledged that the first phase of the elections saw a substantial voter turnout, a stark contrast to previous years. He asserted that participation in elections is a fundamental democratic right, a crucial means of expressing civic choice.
However, Farooq underscored that the Hurriyat maintains its stance that elections cannot serve as a substitute for a comprehensive resolution of the Kashmir issue. He emphasized that these are two separate matters that require distinct approaches. He pointed out that the Hurriyat’s position on elections has evolved alongside the changing political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. He highlighted that the Hurriyat’s call for boycotts in the past stemmed from a desire to express anger and dissent against the perceived manipulation of elections to legitimize a conflict resolution process that the Hurriyat believed was fundamentally flawed. He pointed to instances of coercion and intimidation during previous elections, where the presence of security forces was used to pressure people into voting.
Farooq further elaborated on the Hurriyat’s perspective in light of the drastic changes implemented by the Indian government in 2019, including the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories and the subsequent introduction of the J&K Reorganization Act. He argued that these changes, coupled with stringent measures to disempower the people, have rendered the current elections meaningless. He criticized the concentration of executive power in the hands of the Lieutenant Governor, effectively diminishing the power of any elected legislature. He also expressed concern over the gerrymandering and fragmentation of electoral boundaries, suggesting a deliberate attempt to shift electoral weight towards one region.
Looking at the future, Farooq highlighted the complexities surrounding the Kashmir issue, which remains a point of contention between India, Pakistan, and China. He emphasized the need for New Delhi to engage with the political sentiments and aspirations of the people on the ground. He reiterated the Hurriyat’s commitment to dialogue as a means of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Despite the Hurriyat’s history of advocating for dialogue with New Delhi, Farooq acknowledged the challenges and sacrifices that those who supported engagement have faced. He expressed hope for a peaceful and prosperous future for the region, urging all stakeholders to view the Kashmir issue as a humanitarian concern that has profoundly impacted generations of Kashmiris.
He expressed deep concern over the current situation in Kashmir, citing the continued incarceration of thousands of youth, the detention of political leaders, and the dismissal of local residents from government service. He also raised concerns about the crackdown on local press freedom and the encroachment on fundamental rights. He emphasized that the current situation in Kashmir cannot be characterized as peace and normalcy, and that true peace can only be achieved through a resolution of the conflict and genuine political engagement. He highlighted the existence of latent resistance among the people, despite their current silence due to fear and intimidation. He underscored that people’s silence should not be misconstrued as acceptance of the current situation.
Responding to the Indian government’s assertion that the Hurriyat no longer exists, Farooq emphatically stated that the Hurriyat represents the enduring sentiment and will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He outlined the systematic crackdown on the Hurriyat, including the arrests of its leaders, activists, and members. He emphasized that despite these measures, the sentiment on the ground remains unchanged. He reiterated the Hurriyat’s commitment to a peaceful and dignified approach towards the Kashmir issue, seeking a lasting solution that addresses the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
