kashmir-s-revival-sopore-shifts-from-conflict-to-democracy

News Arena India's Editor-in-Chief Naveen S Garewal travelled through Sopore in north Kashmir's Baramulla district, once a militant stronghold but is now abuzz with political activity as the state prepares for the final phase of polling. He captures the unfolding of this transformation.

 

Sopore, famous for its apple orchards and Asia's second-largest fruit market, is among the 16 constituencies in north Kashmir set to participate in the third and final phase of the Union territory's assembly elections. These polls, the first in a decade for Jammu and Kashmir, represent more than just a political exercise; they symbolize the revival of democratic processes in a region long shadowed by conflict.

 

"There's an excitement in the air that I haven't felt in years," says Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident. "This election feels different. It's as if Sopore is finally turning a new leaf."

 

 

The journey to this point has been long and challenging. For decades, Sopore was synonymous with separatist sentiment and militant activity. Election boycotts were common, with voter turnout often dipping below 5 per cent in urban areas. The 2008 elections saw only 19 per cent voter participation, which marginally improved to 30 per cent in 2014.

 

However, earlier this year, the 2024 Lok Sabha polls marked a turning point. Voter turnout surged to an impressive 45 per cent, starkly contrasting to the mere 4 per cent recorded in the 2019 parliamentary elections. This dramatic shift has injected a new sense of hope and possibility into the upcoming assembly polls.

 

The electoral arena in Sopore is vibrant, with 20 candidates vying for the assembly seat. The field includes representatives from major parties like the National Conference, Congress, People’s Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party, alongside ten independent candidates. Notably, three women candidates are also in the fray, including Arti Nehru, a Kashmiri Pandit, adding diversity to the political landscape.

 

Abdul Latief Wani, an independent candidate known for his charitable work in Sopore, embodies the changing face of local politics. "I've been involved in social work for years," Wani explains. "Now, as a potential assembly member, I can be even more helpful to my constituency."

 

Sopore's political revival is intrinsically linked to its economic heartbeat – the apple trade. Candidates are focusing on issues that matter to the local population, with promises to boost the apple industry and improve infrastructure.

 

"For the first time in decades, we're seeing candidates who understand our local issues," says Mir Usmaan, a local trader. "There's hope that whoever wins will work for Sopore's development."

 

The transformation is reflective of wider changes across Kashmir. From Lal Chowk to Downtown Srinagar, residents speak of a newfound sense of normalcy and progress.

 

 

"It's like a breath of fresh air," shares Basharat, a resident of Downtown Srinagar. "The fear that once ruled these streets is gone. People are moving freely, businesses are growing, and there's a peace we haven't felt in years."

 

Tourism, a key indicator of the region's stability, has seen a remarkable uptick. Tour operators report bringing hundreds of visitors to Kashmir monthly, a scenario unthinkable just a few years ago.

 

As Sopore and the rest of Kashmir valley prepare for the polls, there's a palpable sense of cautious optimism. The elections, scheduled to conclude on October 8 (with results to be announced alongside the Haryana assembly polls), are seen as more than just a political exercise – they're a testament to the resilience of Kashmir's people and their aspirations for a peaceful, prosperous future.

 

"Whether this enthusiasm translates into high voter turnout remains to be seen," says a local election official. "But one thing is clear – Sopore, and indeed all of Kashmir, is ready to embrace democracy with open arms."

 

As the sun sets over the apple orchards of Sopore, the air is thick with hope. The upcoming elections aren't just about choosing representatives; they're about reclaiming a narrative of peace and progress. For the people of Sopore, long accustomed to being in the news for all the wrong reasons, this is their chance to show the world a new face of Kashmir – one of democracy, development, and dreams of a brighter tomorrow probably summed up best by the People’s Conference leader Sajad Gani Lone, contesting from Handwara, “development with dignity”.

 

Sajad, a former separatist himself, is the son of Abdul Gani Lone, who was once a mainstream political leader who also joined the separatist movement. He was assassinated by the separatist militants in 2002 while attending the death anniversary of another prominent Kashmiri leader Maulvi Farooq, who again had been shot dead by Hizbul Mujahideen militants in 1990.