By | Kamran Ashraf Bhat
(Head of The Spotlight Editorial Board)
The recent house arrest of Mehbooba Mufti, the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, and her daughter, Iltija Mufti, is not just an isolated incident but a stark reminder of the systemic erosion of political space in the region. While their detention highlights the stifling of political expression, it also underscores a larger, more pressing issue: the crippling of democratic governance in Jammu and Kashmir since its downgrade to a Union Territory.
The allegations that Mehbooba and Iltija were barred from visiting grieving families in Sopore and Kathua—where two men were reportedly killed—reveal a troubling pattern. Even the most basic acts of political engagement, such as comforting bereaved families or listening to their concerns, are being criminalized. This sends a chilling message: the voices of the people and their elected representatives are being systematically silenced.
But this is not just about Mehbooba Mufti or her daughter. It is about the broader structural imbalance that has left Jammu and Kashmir politically disempowered. Since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state into two Union Territories, the region has been stripped of its statehood and the autonomy that came with it. Today, Jammu and Kashmir is governed by a system where immense power rests with the central government and its appointed Lieutenant Governor, while the elected government—if and when it functions—is left crippled and ineffective.
This imbalance is stark reviewing how much Union Government enjoys an elevated status over elected government and legislative assembly of J&K. J&K has elected leaders but with no substantial authority to address the needs of their constituents and are left grappling with limited powers and constant interference from the central administration. This disparity is not just undemocratic; it is a betrayal of the principles of federalism and self-governance that India claims to uphold.
The downgrading of Jammu and Kashmir to a Union Territory was justified as a temporary measure to restore stability and governance. However, the continued denial of statehood and full political empowerment has only deepened the sense of alienation among the people. Elections alone are not enough to sustain democracy; the elected government must have the authority to govern and the freedom to engage with its constituents. Without this, the ballot box becomes a hollow symbol, and democracy loses its meaning.
The situation demands urgent course correction. Jammu and Kashmir must be restored to full statehood, with powers vested in its elected government to address the aspirations and grievances of its people. The central government must recognize that political inclusivity, not suppression, is the key to lasting peace and stability in the region. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have repeatedly demonstrated their faith in democracy by participating in elections; it is now time to honor that faith by restoring their right to self-governance.
To be clear, the Indian Army and security forces have a critical role in maintaining law and order, and their processes for accountability must be respected. However, the role of political leaders in fostering dialogue, addressing grievances, and building trust is equally vital. By restricting their movement and limiting their ability to engage with the public, the state is not only undermining democracy but also exacerbating the sense of alienation that has plagued the region for decades.
The house arrest of Mehbooba Mufti and Iltija Mufti is a symptom of a deeper malaise. It reflects a failure to recognize that political engagement is not a threat to stability but a prerequisite for it. Silencing political voices does not bring peace; it deepens divisions and fuels discontent. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have chosen their leaders; now, those leaders must be allowed to lead.
India, as the world’s largest democracy, has a responsibility to uphold the values it espouses. This means ensuring that the political space in Jammu and Kashmir is not only preserved but expanded. It means trusting the people to engage with their leaders and to shape their own future. And it means recognizing that democracy cannot flourish in an environment of fear and repression.
The time has come to prioritize dialogue over detention, engagement over alienation, and trust over control. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve nothing less than full statehood and the empowerment of their elected government. Only then the region can move from barricades to genuine peace and progress.
The Spotlight or its editorial board. The Spotlight remains committed to fostering informed discourse on issues of national and regional importance, with a focus on upholding democratic values, inclusivity, and the principles of federalism. We believe in the power of dialogue and engagement to address complex challenges and advocate for the restoration of political rights and statehood for Jammu and Kashmir as a step toward lasting peace and progress.
Kamran Ashraf Bhat is Alumi of Bahçeşehir University, İstanbul. He has been Reporting on Socio-political and historical topics. He Founder of The Spotlight and heading it as CEO. Besides being Director of News, Kamran Ashraf Bhat is head of Editorial Board of www.thespotlight.co.in
