THE red flags have returned with renewed enthusiasm following the much-awaited announcement of elections in J&K, as people anticipate the restoration of democracy, especially after the events of 2019. MY Tarigami, CPI(M) leader and four-time MLA from Kulgam, filed his nomination papers on August 27.

Before filing his nomination papers, he addressed several rallies in the Kulgam constituency. One such rally, dedicated to the ‘Youth of Kulgam,’ saw a large turnout at the CPI(M) office. This rally was organised by the Jammu Kashmir Students’ Federation (JKSF) in collaboration with the J&K Democratic Youth Federation (JKDYF).

On the day of his nomination, thousands of activists and supporters, accompanied by a significant motorcade adorned with red flags and banners, assembled at Laroo Bus Stand. The rally, marked by slogans such as ‘Inqilab Zindabad,’ and ‘CPI(M) Zindabad,’ turned into a massive public meeting. The procession moved through the main market, eventually reaching Chawalgam Mini Stadium, where he addressed the gathered supporters. The workers' patience and attentiveness marked the beginning of a new campaign journey in the constituency.

Addressing the media after filing nomination papers, Tarigami appealed to the people of the country, the people of Kashmir, to find ways to emerge from the challenges we face today. He said that it is only by being together can we find a way out of this mess created by the present dispensation.

On August 28, Tarigami while addressing another rally at Chattabal said that the people have witnessed the situation in J&K and understand the seriousness of the upcoming elections, noting that these elections are happening after a decade long period.

The Assembly is a potential platform to highlight the issues and problems of the people, hence the onus lies on the electorate to send genuine voice to the house.

Tarigami said the people's need to move forward and resolve their issues through debate and discussion will drive them to invest their efforts in this process. Their hopes are pinned on it. It is undoubtedly a significant opportunity. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have been deprived of the fruits of democracy since the last elections were held in 2014.

The people of the region have been punished extensively by the current dispensation. Therefore, they will certainly seize this election as an opportunity. They will not only use their votes but also take steps to establish a government committed to changing the policies of the current administration. The only thing the revocation of special status has achieved so far is a complete denial of democracy in J&K and the suppression of civil and democratic rights.

The facts belie the government’s claims regarding the development of the region. There has been no investment or job creation, contrary to what was promised. Unemployment in the region stands at 18.3 per cent – nearly twice the national average – despite the BJP government’s promises to create new job opportunities for the unemployed youth.

The horticulture sector, a crucial component of Kashmir’s economy that significantly contributes to agricultural output and provides employment to thousands, has been ignored by the present government. Instead of protecting the local industry from unfair competition by imposing import duties on foreign apples, the government has promoted apple imports by not imposing any import duties, which has led to an increasing presence of South African, American, and Iranian apples in retail supermarkets across the country, exacerbating the situation.

Despite the promise to restore statehood to the erstwhile historic state, this has not yet been fulfilled. There is growing discontent among the people towards centralised governance. The restoration of statehood is of paramount importance right now for the people of J&K and may be the first step towards the renewal of democracy in the region, Tarigami said.