A party is born

The birth pangs of a new party, with a secular thread, herald a newness of thought and political inventiveness in J&K. Bureaucrat-turned-politician Shah Faesal has in his tent a motley crowd, representing Muslims, Kashmiri Pandits, Sikhs, women, youth, and other neglected communities in far-flung areas — avowing ‘ab hawa badlegi’. Deeply troubled for long decades, the state desperately needs sui generis ideas that actually benefit the people. It is refreshing when a politician talks of ‘all’, beyond the limiting confines of religion or region. In that, Jammu and Kashmir Peoples’ Movement (JKPM) has made an unmistakable positive start, talking of bridging the gap between Kashmir and Delhi and politics of humanism. 

A pertinent message was sent out at the party launch. ‘Our politics is incomplete without the dignified return of Kashmiri Pandits,’ asserted Faesal, the 2010-batch UPSC topper, condemning attempts to divide the state. ‘An ideology is trying to pitch Muslims against Hindus and Muslims against Buddhists, Kashmir against Jammu and Jammu against Pir Panjal.’ (But only Quranic verses were recited at the launch.) The party has some big plans and has rightly identified the scourge. Now, for taking it head-on, the JKPM may have to provide an alternative political narrative. The NC-Congress romance has soured, with the NC refusing to cede any seat to the Congress; PDP has weakened its position with its ill-fated alliance with BJP; and BJP’s possible gains are only in Jammu and Ladakh. 

Student leader Shehla Rashid, too, has got a chance to show her ardour beyond campus politics. In the real, hardcore political world, reality is more prosaic. Politics of pragmatism often tilts the scales and weighs down idealism. That will loom as the second-most abiding challenge for the fledging party. The first being a toehold in the political quagmire of the state, and a place in the hearts of enervated Kashmiris. About 2,000 people were at the launch. A beginning has been made. The road is long and winding, but even if a single individual, in personal or political capacity, speaks of brotherhood, peace and inclusiveness, there’s hope for the Valley, yet.