Javed Beigh, representing the Indian Kashmiri Muslim community, in a revelation sheds light on the deep-seated disparities between Indian-administered Kashmir and its Pakistani-controlled counterparts, the fundamental right to participate in democratic processes emerges as a glaring point of differentiation.
The voting rights disparity between the residents of Indian Jammu & Kashmir and those inhabiting Pakistan Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) and Pakistan Occupied Gilgit and Baltistan (POGB) underscores a significant discrepancy in the exercise of democratic principles.
Unlike the approximately 12 million residents of Indian Jammu & Kashmir who possess the freedom to cast their votes in India’s parliamentary elections, the approximately 4 million inhabitants of POJK and 2 million people of POGB find themselves disenfranchised, deprived of the basic right to participate in Pakistan’s national elections.
Organiser E-Exit poll Lok Sabha Elections 2024
The root of this discrimination lies in the policies enforced by Pakistan’s Punjabi Muslim ruling elite, who, motivated by their own interests, have systematically excluded the residents of POJK and POGB from the democratic process. By denying them the right to vote, the Pakistani establishment seeks to maintain its grip on the region, using the pretext of “Kashmir jihad” to justify this infringement on fundamental rights.
This deprivation of political representation exacerbates the marginalization of residents in POJK and POGB, leaving them voiceless and powerless in matters of governance and policymaking. In stark contrast to their counterparts in Indian Kashmir, who enjoy parliamentary representation with five Lok Sabha seats, the people of POJK and POGB have been allocated zero seats in the Pakistani parliament, effectively relegating them to second-class citizenship.
While the people of POJK have acquiesced to this discrimination due to years of indoctrination by the Pakistani ruling elite, the residents of POGB, a region characterized by its Shia and Ismaili Muslim majority, vehemently oppose this systemic marginalization. They attribute this discrimination to the Pakistani establishment’s deep-seated animosity towards minority communities, particularly Shias and Ismailis.
The grievances of the people of POGB extend beyond political disenfranchisement to include socio-economic neglect and environmental exploitation by the Pakistani ruling elite. Despite being endowed with abundant natural resources, the region remains economically underdeveloped, with projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) failing to deliver on promises of progress and development.
This stark contrast in treatment between Indian and Pakistani-administered Kashmir serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and principles of inclusivity and equality. As Indian Kashmiris exercise their democratic freedoms, the plight of their counterparts across the border underscores the need for international attention and action to address systemic injustices and ensure the protection of fundamental rights.
Amidst this glaring discrimination, the question arises – why shouldn’t Indian Kashmiris take pride in being part of India?
(The story is based on the Tweet by Javed Beigh representing the Indian Kashmiri Muslim community)
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