by Farooq Ganderbali
The people of Jammu and Kashmir have always aspired for peace, prosperity, employment, quality education and democratic governance. During the 2024 Assembly elections, the National Conference (NC) sought the people’s mandate by making several promises relating to employment, welfare and political issues. Many voters supported the party with the expectation that these commitments would be translated into action.
As the government has settled into office, many citizens and political observers have expressed disappointment over what they see as slow progress in fulfilling key election promises. In a democracy, governments are ultimately judged by their performance, transparency and ability to address the concerns of the people. Public expectations regarding employment opportunities, improved public services and economic growth remain high.
The demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is an important political issue. At the same time, the Union Government has stated that statehood will be restored through the constitutional process. In this context, many believe that political parties should devote equal energy to governance, development and fulfilling the commitments made to the electorate.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve politics based on accountability rather than confrontation. Political debates are a normal part of democracy, but they should never overshadow the everyday concerns of citizens, including jobs, education, healthcare, infrastructure and economic opportunities.
In recent years, many residents have welcomed improvements in security, infrastructure, road connectivity, tourism and investment. Tourism has once again become an important source of livelihood for thousands of families, benefiting hotel owners, transport operators, artisans, shopkeepers and many others. Continued peace is essential to sustaining this progress.
The youth of Jammu and Kashmir represent the region’s greatest strength. Increasingly, young people are pursuing education, entrepreneurship, sports, technology and skill development. Their aspirations reflect a desire for opportunity, dignity and a better future. Every effort should be made to support them through quality education, employment generation and an environment that encourages innovation. In my view, both the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference have, over the years, failed to take the measures necessary to permanently eliminate the conditions that enabled terrorism and separatist sentiment in Kashmir. Instead of creating opportunities for young people to participate meaningfully in governance and democratic politics, they relied on emotional and identity-based narratives that, in my opinion, were politically advantageous. As a result, many talented and aspiring youth remained excluded from the political system, while the region continued to suffer from instability and conflict.
Jammu and Kashmir’s centuries-old Sufi tradition has always stood for peace, tolerance, compassion and communal harmony. This rich spiritual and cultural heritage reminds us that coexistence and mutual respect are the true foundations of a strong society. Preserving this legacy is essential for future generations.
The fight against terrorism, radicalisation and the misuse of young minds remains an important challenge. Society, families, educational institutions, religious leaders and security agencies all have a role to play in ensuring that the younger generation chooses education, democracy and constructive nation-building over violence and extremism.
The efforts made to improve infrastructure, tourism, healthcare, connectivity and public services should continue with greater momentum. Development should reach every district and every community so that all citizens benefit equally from progress.
Ultimately, the future of Jammu and Kashmir depends on good governance, constitutional democracy, peace and inclusive development. Political parties should focus on fulfilling the promises they make to the people, while citizens should continue to support dialogue, harmony and democratic participation.
A peaceful, united and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir will not only benefit its own people but will also strengthen the progress of the entire nation. The hopes of the people are simple: honest governance, employment, education, security, development and lasting peace. These aspirations should remain the guiding principles for every government and every public representative.