Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, July 3: In absence of any political activity in Kashmir, leaders of mainstream political parties seem to have gone for a long break as they have been left with nothing to do.
A political analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The leaders who were released after serving detention have turned silent. They have nothing much to say as things are beyond their control. The political landscape of J&K has changed and New Delhi is managing the affairs of Union Territory directly. In fact, Kashmiri politicians have been left with no role at all.”
He said, “The people who ruled J&K for so long stand at cross roads today. They have no idea about what future holds for them as their political careers seem to have ended.”
An observer said, “After losing everything mainstream politicians are feeling the pinch. They have started realizing that when they were in power, they could have done a lot for the people. During their tenures they just kept people busy by raising slogans and ignored the development part. Had they focused on uplifting the standards of living and development today common people would have stood behind them.”
He said, “When mainstream leaders were arrested post August 5, 2019, people in Kashmir didn’t react. Neither they made any attempt to seek their release. The mainstream politicians in Kashmir should sit back and introspect that why were they dumped by the people?”
“National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party seem to be in complete disarray. Both these parties seem to have lost the plot and have no idea about how to move ahead. The NC leaders since their release from detention have maintained silence over the political issues and it appears that they are in no mood to talk. Recently NC President Dr Farooq Abdullah had told reporters that his party is not responsible for everything that is happening in Kashmir,” the observer added.
It’s in place to mention here that more than 40 political leaders, who were placed under detention after J&K’s special status was revoked on August 5, 2019, have been released. The only politician serving detention under Public Safety Act is the PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, who after being shifted to her Gupkar residence in Srinagar had said that once she is released, she would approach other political leaders and frame a joint strategy to counter Centre’s move. “Other PDP leaders who have been released have gone into isolation and it appears that they have nothing to say,” the observer added.
Recently Estates Department served a notice to the politicians to vacate the government accommodations occupied by them. “The government also has tightened its noose around the political leaders. This indicates that they been left with nothing much to do and their roles are being curtailed,” the observer said.
Long break of Kashmiri politicians continues, remain silent, inactive
