Modi Government’s Election Efforts in Kashmir Viewed as Legitimization Attempt by Critics

Srinagar, The decision by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to conduct parliamentary elections in the region known as Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) is being criticized by local analysts and activists as an attempt to legitimize India’s control over the disputed territory.

According to Kashmir Media Service, analysts and activists in Srinagar, who requested anonymity due to fears of reprisal, have labeled the elections as mere propaganda. They argue that these electoral efforts serve to distort the international perception of the ongoing struggle for freedom among the Kashmiri people. “The Indian government wants to give a false impression to the world that everything is normal in Kashmir, but the reality is far from it,” one analyst noted, describing the local situation as one of brutal oppression and silencing of voices through military might.

Activists contend that the elections are intended to undermine the Kashmiri demand for self-determination—a right affirmed by the United Nations—which India has consistently denied, opting instead to enforce its rule through military presence. “The elections are a mere drama, aimed at misleading the international community into believing that Kashmiris are participating in the Indian democratic process,” they stated, dismissing the legitimacy of the electoral process in a region recognized internationally as disputed.

These critics also believe that the electoral activities in IIOJK are part of New Delhi’s broader strategy to normalize its occupation following controversial actions on August 5, 2019, which saw the revocation of the region’s special status. Despite these efforts, they maintain that the Kashmiri populace remains steadfast in their resolve for independence and self-determination, vowing to resist Indian attempts to quash their aspirations.