10-06-2023 : The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its concern about the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, comparing it to a zoo where the local people are displayed to outsiders like caged animals on tours organized by the Government of India (GOI). In the PDP’s monthly party newspaper, they criticized the censorship that has stifled the expression of Kashmiris’ thoughts and described the state of local newspapers, reduced to mere advertisement catalogues, and the silencing of fearless journalists.
According to the PDP, it is becoming increasingly evident that Jammu and Kashmir is not treated as a state or a Union Territory, but rather as a colony, an occupation that exploits its resources without granting it the rights and autonomy it deserves. While the GOI boasts about record-breaking tourism numbers, the party argues that law-abiding locals are constantly subjected to terrifying raids conducted by agencies such as the National Investigation Agency (NIA). They noted a surge in these raids prior to the G20 meeting, which raised questions about the decision to hold the event in J&K. The PDP believes that the meeting served as an opportunity for the GOI to gain international validation for their decision to revoke Article 370, and the subsequent increase in tourism was seen as a desired side effect. To enhance the image of Kashmir, the government undertook cosmetic changes reminiscent of North Korea, with painted bunkers, installed national flags, and the removal of barbed wire.
However, the PDP alleges that these changes were superficial and temporary, merely aimed at impressing international guests. They claim that the semblance of normalcy exhibited during the G20 meeting is far from the actual normalcy needed for Kashmiris to exercise their democratic rights. The PDP further argues that the postponement of legislative elections indefinitely is a strategic move by the GOI, which aims to ensure an absolute majority for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) before conducting the elections.
The party criticizes the despotic measures of the GOI, which go unchecked due to a faceless administration. Kashmiris feel that their fundamental rights as citizens are violated on a daily basis, and there is no accountability for these violations. The PDP metaphorically likens J&K to a zoo, where people are displayed to outsiders like caged animals on curated tours by the GOI, aimed at showcasing a false sense of normalcy. Even the issues faced by the region, such as cumbersome traffic jams, are attributed to “growing normalcy” rather than administrative failures.
The PDP also highlights the neglect of the local administration towards the stray dog population in Srinagar, resulting in frequent dog bites and the occasional case of rabies. The issue was only addressed temporarily during the G20 meet when the dogs were captured and relocated to present a more civilized image to visiting dignitaries. However, the PDP condemns the inhumane methods used for capturing the dogs, and they lament the loss of the traditional architectural elements in Srinagar, replaced by cheap and tacky substitutes.
Amidst these concerns, the party also highlights the tragic killing of Deepu, a circus worker in Anantnag who was the sole breadwinner for his impoverished family. The PDP criticizes the selective presentation of Kashmir as a “Naya Kashmir” (New Kashmir) by the GOI, which is shaped by strategic editing to show only what the government wants the world to see. They compare this narrative to the Peace Village in North Korea, suggesting that the portrayal of “Naya Kashmir” is part of the BJP’s agenda, supported by the mainstream media that caters to their interests.
The PDP concludes by stating that although India’s vast population is an important market in terms of trade relations, the international guests at the G20 saw through the facade that was carefully presented. The party believes that the GOI is aware that it cannot deceive everyone and quotes Abraham Lincoln’s famous saying to emphasize their agreement with this sentiment.