The political discourse in Kashmir is often dominated by debates around statehood and the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A, but these surface-level discussions obscure a more pressing issue: the erosion of Kashmiri peoplehood. The real crisis is not just about Omar Abdullah, the National Conference, or even the question of restoring statehood—it is the systematic sidelining of Kashmir’s collective identity, overshadowed by symbolic political gestures.
For too long, the narrative in Kashmir has centered on a few prominent political figures, such as Omar Abdullah and his party. Yet, these figures operate within a political space that was not created by them. That space emerged from the collective will of the Kashmiri people—their silent resolve. Abdullah and his party merely represent this political arena. What truly matters to Kashmiris is not party politics or individual political careers, but their profound sense of peoplehood.
The Abrogation of Article 370: A Constitutional Coup or a Denial of Peoplehood?
The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 wasn’t merely a constitutional change, as the Indian government portrays it. It was a calculated effort to undermine the collective identity of Kashmiris. Article 370, and its complementary Article 35A, symbolized Kashmir’s unique relationship with India. Their removal was not just an administrative decision but an assault on the very core of Kashmiri identity. The division of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories only deepened the feeling of loss, reducing the significance of Kashmir as more than just a territory—it was a shrinking of Kashmiri identity.
A key part of this reorganization was the decision to keep Jammu and Kashmir as a single entity, rather than separating the two regions. This was no arbitrary choice. It was a deliberate political move, meant to pit the Hindu-majority Jammu region against the Muslim-majority Kashmir. This tactic has long been used to counterbalance any potential consolidation of political power in the Valley. The rivalry between the regions isn’t new—it has been a persistent feature of the region’s political landscape.
When Omar Abdullah talks about “taking Jammu along,” he is engaging with this entrenched division. While his approach may show political tact, it is also part of a broader strategy that has been used for decades—one where Hindus are cast as victims and Muslims as aggressors. The 2019 parliamentary resolution wasn’t just a legislative act; it was the culmination of a process aimed at dividing the region along religious lines.
Symbolism vs. Substance: A People Trapped in Political Theatre
In light of this, debates over whether Omar Abdullah should prioritize the restoration of statehood or the reversal of Article 370 become almost irrelevant. Both have been reduced to political symbols, stripped of the substance they once held. Unfortunately, Kashmiris have become a people reliant on symbolism, both in religious and political expressions. This overemphasis on symbolic acts has led to a dangerous detachment from the real issues facing the region.
Too much attention is paid to the individuals and parties that claim to represent Kashmiris, while the larger forces shaping the future of the region go unnoticed. It’s easy to blame Omar Abdullah or the National Conference for the current state of affairs, but the truth is that the people of Kashmir must take ownership of their future. Recent election results may have brought Abdullah back into the spotlight, but the real victory lies with the voters who cast their ballots with a strong sense of their collective identity and the challenges they face.
Leadership Beyond the Limelight: A Call for Grassroots Activism
Rather than pinning their hopes on one leader or one party, Kashmiris need to unite and think collectively. This won’t be an easy task, and it requires leadership at all levels—leaders who understand the value of working in the shadows, without seeking recognition or material gain. The future of Kashmir depends on those who are committed to the well-being of the next generation, not those chasing political offices.
In the current political landscape, Kashmiri Muslims are arguably at their weakest in terms of political power and influence. This is not the time for confrontations or provocative actions that could further destabilize the situation. Any escalation, particularly with the political leaders of Jammu or the ruling BJP, risks igniting violence and shutting down the limited political space that Kashmiris have managed to retain in the wake of recent elections.
Distractions and Delusions: Bollywood Stars and Political Symbolism
Kashmiri political leaders must move beyond symbolic gestures and focus on addressing the real issues. Photo ops with fading cricket stars or Bollywood celebrities may make headlines, but they do nothing to address the existential threat to Kashmiri peoplehood. True leadership involves engaging directly with the people, away from media spectacle, and fostering meaningful dialogue.
The political fate of Kashmir will always be shaped by the balance of power in the region. The J&K Assembly may be powerless today, but the people of Kashmir are in an even more precarious position. This powerlessness did not arise out of nowhere. As a community, Kashmiris need to critically assess the decisions that have brought them to this point. Heightening tensions over the restoration of statehood or Article 370 might generate media buzz, but it diverts attention from the real work that needs to be done.
Conclusion: Peoplehood vs. Statehood—A False Choice
Kashmiris are being asked to choose between statehood and Article 370, but this is a false choice. The deeper issue is that the very essence of Kashmiri peoplehood is at risk. As a community, Kashmiris must not accept the normalization of the imposed changes, nor should they allow themselves to be distracted by political theatrics. The threat to their collective identity is real and urgent.
In the end, this is not about one leader or one political party. It’s about the survival of a people and their sense of self. The time for symbolic gestures has passed; now is the moment for action and substance.
