26/05/2026
*EDITORIAL*
*Polarisation in Jammu and Kashmir Must Not Recreate the Shadows of 1989*
The political atmosphere in Jammu and Kashmir is once again witnessing increasing confrontation, emotional rhetoric, and deepening regional polarisation. The growing rivalry between the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference and the Bharatiya Janata Party has gradually moved beyond ordinary democratic competition and is beginning to shape public discourse around identity, region, and sentiment. While political contest is natural in any democracy, the direction in which the current narrative is moving has started reminding many people of the dangerous political environment that existed before 1989.
Jammu and Kashmir has already paid an enormous price for instability and political failure. Thousands of lives were lost over decades of violence and militancy. Families were displaced, economic growth suffered, educational opportunities collapsed for generations, and mistrust between communities widened deeply. Even today, the region continues to carry psychological, social, and political scars of that period. Any attempt — intentional or otherwise — that fuels division and confrontation instead of reconciliation risks reviving fears that people hoped had been buried in history.
The lessons of 1989 are not merely historical memories; they are warnings for present-day politics. Before the eruption of militancy, public dissatisfaction, political mistrust, unemployment, allegations of democratic manipulation, and growing alienation had already created an atmosphere of anger and uncertainty. When democratic aspirations remain unheard for too long and politics becomes driven more by emotional mobilisation than practical governance, instability often follows. History repeatedly demonstrates that societies become vulnerable when public frustration is ignored and political narratives begin replacing genuine solutions.
Today, Jammu and Kashmir is again witnessing growing public anxiety on multiple fronts. Youth unemployment remains one of the most serious concerns. Thousands of educated young people continue to struggle for stable employment opportunities. Developmental promises are frequently made, yet many sections of society feel disconnected from actual decision-making processes. Economic uncertainty, rising prices, and regional grievances continue to shape public sentiment across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.
There is also a growing feeling among sections of the public that people are unhappy not only with the functioning of the Union Territory administration but also with the approach of the Central Government on several political and governance-related issues. Many citizens feel that despite repeated promises of development, transparency, and normalcy, their day-to-day concerns regarding employment, democratic participation, public services, inflation, and administrative accountability remain unresolved. This dissatisfaction, whether in Jammu or Kashmir, should not be ignored because prolonged public frustration often creates deeper political alienation.
Instead of focusing entirely on these pressing challenges, political discourse is increasingly dominated by confrontational narratives. Every issue is quickly transformed into a political battle between regional identities or ideological camps. One side accuses the other of betraying regional interests, while the other counters with accusations of divisive politics. In such an atmosphere, governance often becomes secondary while emotional polarisation takes centre stage.
The danger of such politics is that it gradually weakens the space for moderation. Once political debate becomes dominated by anger, symbolism, and emotional mobilisation, constructive dialogue begins to disappear. Moderate voices are sidelined, and public discourse becomes increasingly hostile. This creates fertile ground for mistrust, especially among youth who are already facing uncertainty regarding employment and future opportunities.
Political leaders must understand one important reality: power achieved through emotional division may deliver short-term electoral success, but no government can fully control the long-term consequences of social and political polarisation. You may get power through confrontation, but you cannot control the consequences in the long run. History has repeatedly shown that once mistrust enters society deeply, rebuilding peace and confidence becomes far more difficult than winning political battles.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve better than endless political confrontation. After decades of suffering, the region requires healing, economic growth, institutional trust, and long-term peace. Tourism, infrastructure, education, healthcare, trade, and employment generation should dominate political discussions rather than continuous political theatrics. Young people need opportunities and stability, not narratives that deepen fear and uncertainty.
Political parties must also recognise that electoral competition should not come at the cost of social harmony. Democracies function through disagreement, but responsible leadership ensures that disagreements do not transform into permanent societal divisions. Both the ruling establishment and opposition carry equal responsibility in maintaining political maturity. Short-term electoral gains achieved through emotional polarisation can create long-term consequences that become difficult to control later.
There is also a growing perception among ordinary citizens that real public concerns are often overshadowed by political spectacle. Farmers worry about livelihoods, unemployed youth seek recruitment transparency, traders demand economic stability, and families expect better public services. Yet much of the political debate revolves around symbolic conflicts designed to energise political bases rather than solve structural problems. This disconnect between governance and public expectation increases frustration further.
Jammu and Kashmir stands at a sensitive crossroads. On one hand, there exists immense potential for growth, tourism, investment, education, and regional development. On the other hand, persistent political polarisation threatens to weaken social trust once again. The region cannot afford another period where anger and confrontation dominate public life. Peace achieved after years of suffering must be protected carefully and strengthened through democratic confidence and inclusive governance.
The responsibility also lies with civil society, media institutions, intellectuals, and community leaders to encourage balanced discourse. Sensationalism and inflammatory rhetoric may generate immediate political attention, but they often deepen social divisions. Responsible journalism and constructive public debate are essential for preserving democratic stability in a sensitive region like Jammu and Kashmir.
Most importantly, the youth must remain at the centre of policy and governance. History shows that when the energy and aspirations of youth are ignored for too long, dissatisfaction grows socially and politically. But when the youth are empowered productively through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and democratic participation, societies can transform rapidly and positively. Jammu and Kashmir’s future will depend largely on whether its younger generation is given hope and opportunity or left vulnerable to frustration and uncertainty.
The memories of 1989 should not be used merely for political references; they should serve as lessons in responsibility. The tragedy of the past must never become a political roadmap for the future. Jammu and Kashmir needs reconciliation instead of division, dialogue instead of hostility, and governance instead of constant political warfare.
The future of the region cannot be secured through fear, emotional mobilisation, or regional confrontation. It can only be built through democratic accountability, economic opportunity, social trust, and inclusive politics that respects every community and every region equally. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered enough. They deserve stability, dignity, and a future free from the shadows of the past.
