Er. Shahzada Athar Ishaq Shah
A flag is far more than a piece of cloth; it is a profound symbol of identity, unity, and the shared aspirations of a people. Across the world, flags evoke deep emotional responses, serving as the embodiment of a nation’s history, struggles, and values. They capture the essence of a people’s collective experience and stand as a symbol of pride and solidarity. In the case of Jammu and Kashmir, however, the state flag failed to generate such sentiments among its population. Rooted in the identity of the National Conference (NC) political party, the flag was never embraced by the masses as a true symbol of the region’s collective aspirations. This disconnect can be traced back to its origins, political associations, and how it was used as a tool of party dominance in a region yearning for genuine autonomy and representation.
Historically, flags serve as potent symbols of governance and identity. They reflect the victories, struggles, and values of a people, becoming visual representations of their collective consciousness. In times of war, peace, or political upheaval, flags evoke a deep sense of unity. People rally around them, hoisting them high as an expression of national identity or resistance. In the case of Jammu and Kashmir, however, the state flag—a red field featuring a white plough—failed to evoke these feelings. Rather than symbolizing the region’s rich history, culture, or the aspirations of its people, the flag was seen as an extension of the National Conference’s political agenda, diminishing its significance as a unifying symbol.
The flag of Jammu and Kashmir was a near replica of the National Conference’s party flag, with minimal modifications. Adopted officially in 1952 under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah, it retained the red field that symbolized labour, with the white plough representing the working class. While this imagery was powerful within the political narrative of the National Conference, its transition into the state flag created a significant dissonance. What was intended to represent the state’s autonomy and the will of its people, in practice, became a symbol of political monopolization, closely tied to the NC’s vision and aspirations rather than that of the broader Kashmiri populace.
This disconnection is most evident in the absence of the state flag during key political moments in Kashmir’s history. Unlike national flags that are proudly hoisted during rallies, protests, and celebrations, the Jammu and Kashmir state flag rarely made appearances during public demonstrations. Whether during moments of political upheaval or in peaceful protests, the flag seldom appeared, indicating that it never resonated with the people as a true symbol of their identity or autonomy. This lack of connection became even more pronounced following the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, which nullified Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and, by extension, its state flag. Even in the protests that followed, the absence of the flag was striking, further underscoring its failure to gain traction as a true representation of Kashmiri identity.
In place of the state flag, Kashmiris would often raise green flags, a color deeply associated with Islam, symbolizing peace, faith, and paradise. These flags better reflected the frustrations and aspirations of the people than the official state flag. The green flags represented an identity that many Kashmiris felt was being suppressed by the state’s political apparatus. The state flag, with its association to the National Conference, came to symbolize a political tool wielded for the benefit of the party, rather than a unifying emblem for the people of the region.
One of the critical reasons behind this failure lies in the flag’s deep association with the National Conference. By adopting a near-identical version of its party flag as the state symbol, the NC blurred the lines between party and state, creating a dangerous political monopoly. In doing so, it stifled political pluralism and alienated significant sections of the population who did not align with the NC’s narrative. This move was seen by many as a political power grab, further consolidating the NC’s dominance in the region and limiting the space for alternative voices to emerge.
In any functioning democracy, the distinction between political parties and the state is crucial. Democracy thrives on diversity, plurality, and the representation of various perspectives. By conflating the party’s identity with that of the state, the National Conference undermined the democratic fabric of Jammu and Kashmir. The flag, rather than being a symbol of the people’s collective will, became a tool of political convenience, reinforcing the NC’s hold over the region.
This monopolization extended beyond the flag. The NC’s attempt to dominate the political space of Jammu and Kashmir left little room for competing ideologies or alternative visions. In a region like Kashmir, already fraught with complex questions of identity, autonomy, and representation, the lack of a neutral, inclusive state symbol was a missed opportunity. A flag that could have united the diverse population of Jammu and Kashmir, transcending party lines and political affiliations, was instead reduced to a symbol of political loyalty to the NC.
The detachment of the flag from the emotional and political sentiments of the people is further evidenced by its absence during key historical moments. Whether during protests against state actions, demonstrations for autonomy, or rallies calling for change, the flag failed to make an appearance. This absence speaks volumes about the disconnection between the symbol and the people it was meant to represent. For a flag to hold meaning, it must resonate emotionally with the people, serving as a reminder of their shared struggles, victories, and identity. In Jammu and Kashmir, this was never achieved.
In conclusion, the flag of Jammu and Kashmir was more a reflection of the National Conference’s political dominance than a true representation of the people’s aspirations. Its failure to resonate with the masses stems from its deep association with the NC’s political agenda and its inability to evolve into a symbol of autonomy, resistance, or unity for the region. The absence of the flag during pivotal moments in Kashmiri history further underscores its detachment from the emotional and political sentiments of the people.
For a flag to hold philosophical and emotional importance, it must transcend party politics and become a symbol of the collective will and identity of the people. In Jammu and Kashmir, this was never achieved. Instead, the state flag became a symbol of political compromise and monotony, failing to capture the hearts and minds of the Kashmiri people. Kashmir, as a result, remains without a true symbol that reflects its unique identity, history, and aspirations.
