Arjumand Shah
Srinagar Sep 17 (KINS): After many years, door-to-door campaigning has made a strong return in Kashmir, as political parties revive a practice that had largely been abandoned due to security concerns in the 1990s. Once a region where election rallies were restricted and frequently targeted by violence and stone-pelting, Kashmir is now seeing candidates actively engaging with voters on a personal level, a shift that signals a major change in the political environment.
Historically, rallies in Kashmir were held under tight security, with candidates maintaining a significant distance from the public. Attacks on such events were common, forcing political figures to address voters from secure, controlled spaces. However, according to the Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), the current election season has seen candidates visiting voters in their homes across all constituencies, a practice that was limited to only a few areas post-1990.
Now, political representatives are campaigning freely in regions once considered high-risk, such as Srinagar’s Downtown and parts of South Kashmir including Kulgam, Shopian, and Pulwama—places previously known for unrest and terrorism. Remarkably, no incidents of stone-pelting or terrorism have been reported so far during the election period, further emphasizing the improved security situation.
This direct voter engagement is strikingly different from earlier elections. Candidates, who once had to keep their distance from the electorate, are now walking through neighborhoods, shaking hands, and even sharing tea with supporters. These gestures symbolize a new phase of political participation in Kashmir, with leaders embracing a more personal approach to gain the trust of voters.
The elections, which will be held in three phases starting September 18, 2024, are the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The removal of the article ended the region’s special status and has led to significant political reorganization. As such, these elections are being closely monitored, as they are expected to shape the future governance of the newly reorganized union territory.
With 219 candidates contesting 24 Assembly segments in the first phase, this election marks a turning point in Kashmir’s political history.
“The peaceful conduct of door-to-door campaigning across all constituencies has been seen as a positive development, reflecting the evolving political dynamics and security landscape in the region. The results are expected to have a lasting impact on the political direction of the region in the coming years,” a political expert said. (KINS)
