August 10, 2024: As a representative of JK News Today, I recently had the opportunity to ask a question to the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Mr. Rajiv Kumar, during a press conference after their two-days visit to Jammu and Kashmir. The purpose of their visit was to review the poll preparedness for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections in 2024.
My question to the Election Commission of India was straightforward yet crucial: “Kya J&K government ne apko security situation ka vishvas dilwaya hai?” (Has the J&K government assured you about the security situation?). This Question assumed significance because on March 16, CEC Rajiv Kumar had said that the UT government and security agencies had expressed their unavailability to provide security forces the simultaneous Lok Sabha and Assembly polls. This question is significant because it directly addresses the concerns of my fellow citizens regarding the security conditions necessary for free and fair elections.
Jammu and Kashmir has had different experience in past decades. From being a state to becoming a Union Territory, J&K has been under Central rule since June 19, 2018. This transition occurred after the collapse of the coalition government led by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) under Mehbooba Mufti, following the withdrawal of support by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Elections were initially expected in early 2019 but were delayed due to various factors, including the bifurcation of the region into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh—in August 2019, and the abrogation of Article 370.
The necessity for security assurances is further emphasized by the ongoing discussions about restoring J&K’s statehood. Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ramdas Athawale, recently mentioned the possibility of restoring statehood before the upcoming elections in Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh in October. This brings hope but also raises questions about the readiness and security of the region for the democratic process.
My question was aimed at ensuring that the Election Commission addresses vital concerns. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve a safe endurance to legislative assembly elections which have pending since long. Asking such a question is not just a journalistic duty but a responsibility I carry as a representative of my community’s interests and aspirations.
Addressing the CEC and his team, including Election Commissioners SS Sandhu and Gynaesh Kumar, was vital for voicing the concerns of Jammu and Kashmir’s residents. The security situation is pivotal for ensuring that the elections are conducted peacefully and that the people’s voices are genuinely heard. My question aimed to extract clear commitments from the authorities regarding the region’s preparedness and safety.
The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir is complex, but by persistently seeking clarity and transparency, we contribute to a future where democracy can flourish. Each question posed to those in authority is a step toward securing the democratic rights and safety of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
During their visit to the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, the Election Commission of India (ECI) delegation, which included Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and SS Sandhu, engaged with representatives from nine different political parties. These discussions highlighted the demand for timely elections and emphasized the importance of a level playing field for all candidates, covering aspects such as the ability to conduct rallies and receive adequate security. The delegation also held discussions with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dullo and the Union Territory’s police chief, R. R. Swain, to review administrative and security arrangements.
In a press conference addressing the security situation in Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar acknowledged the challenges posed by the current environment. He noted that while there have been changes and attempts to disrupt the election atmosphere, these efforts cannot prevent the elections from taking place. Kumar assured that the administration is capable of dealing with any situation, and the review at the state level is complete, with the Amarnath Yatra concluding on August 19. He stated that further assessments of security and security forces will be conducted in Delhi. Regarding recent terror attacks, Kumar expressed confidence that such activities would not impact the electoral process, affirming the ECI’s resolve to ensure elections proceed without disruption.
Asking these questions gives me a sense of empowerment, knowing that I am voicing the concerns of my people directly to those in power. It reminds me of the importance of journalism in holding authorities accountable and advocating for the rights and well-being of citizens. The path to democracy is not easy, especially in a region with a complex history like Jammu and Kashmir, but each question asked, each assurance sought, brings us one step closer to a more stable and democratic future.
