For the first time in decades, Hindu refugees in Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK) will have the opportunity to vote in regional assembly elections beginning September 18. This historic moment marks a significant shift in the disputed Himalayan region, where complex political and historical factors have long influenced electoral dynamics.
Dev Raj, a 90-year-old Hindu refugee who fled from Pakistan during the tumultuous partition of 1947, expressed his excitement about the upcoming vote. Raj plans to support Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leader of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in the local elections. His enthusiasm reflects the broader sentiment among many refugees who are seeing voting rights for the first time.
The elections will be held in three phases and represent the first regional assembly elections in IoK since 2014, and the first since New Delhi imposed direct rule in 2019. This change came after Modi’s government abolished IoK’s special semi-autonomous status, allowing refugees, who previously had limited rights, to participate fully in the electoral process.
While some critics argue that the new assembly will have limited power, with key decisions still centralized in New Delhi, the right to vote is seen as a landmark achievement for many in the refugee community. For individuals like Sardari Lal, 89, who recalls the hardships of partition, this election symbolizes a long-awaited recognition and an opportunity for future generations.
As the vote approaches, the BJP’s influence in the region is palpable, with many refugees viewing their newfound electoral rights as a gesture of appreciation. However, some activists are critical of the BJP’s lack of representation for their community, indicating a complex interplay of historical grievances and contemporary politics.
Image Credits: https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/srinagar-polling-kicks-off-amid-allegation-of-official-interference/article68170219.ece
