As elections fever grips the Kashmir valley, we are holding weekly conversations with regional parties of Kashmir and Jammu to know their views on issues concerning the public. In this episode: An interview held in Budgam with Aga Rahullah Mehdi; JK National Conference’s candidate for the Srinagar Lok Sabha seat speaks to Asma Bhat, video correspondent for The Kashmiriyat from Srinagar district.
Aga Mehdi clarified that his previous statement about not participating in elections specifically referred to assembly elections, a stance he maintains. He explained that participating in such elections under the current circumstances would imply acceptance of the abrogation of Article 370, which he strongly rejects.
Mehdi views the ongoing elections as an opportunity to engage with marginalized voices and empower people to express their political opinions. He highlighted that since the revocation of Article 370, there has been a suppression that led to a collective depression among the people.
Watch the full interview here
Regarding his anger with the National Conference (NC), Mehdi stated that he served as the chief spokesperson until 2019 but noticed a disconnect between the party’s approach and what he believed was necessary after the abrogation of Article 370. He mentioned that while their goals were aligned, their methods differed.
Mehdi discussed the parliamentary elections as a platform to advocate for the opinions he has developed over the years. He emphasized the importance of holding security forces accountable for past actions and restoring the dignity and rights of the people. Mehdi also expressed a desire to mobilize political action and counter the extremism of the BJP, seeking allies within India to spread accurate information about Article 370 and its importance for national integration.
Here is a transcript of the interview by Hooria Gilani:
Asma Bhat: In our conversation in 2020, you mentioned that you would refrain from involvement in elections. Is this indicative of a political transformation or a response to current circumstances?
Mehdi: At that time, I specifically referred to participation in assembly elections, a stance I continue to uphold. Previously, JK enjoyed constitutional rights, including the right to make our own laws. However, with the transition from statehood to union territory status and the revocation of Article 370, our political landscape underwent changes. Engaging in assembly elections under those circumstances would be perceived as justifying the abrogation of the article, a notion I strongly reject. I refuse to accept the legitimacy of that assembly and its associated status.
AB: Numerous political parties are participating in the elections within Srinagar. How do u envision your position?
Mehdi: I see the upcoming election as an opportunity to engage with more people, facilitating communication with those, whose voices have been marginalized. Following the events of 2019, there should have been increased political engagement, allowing individuals to organize politically. However, the aftermath of the Article 370 repeal saw unnatural behavior; a collective depression among people which is a result of suppression. This campaign gives me a chance to empower people to articulate their political opinions. Such engagement is a primary driving force for my participation. I am committed to utilize this opportunity to motivate political activism.
AB: In 2010, NC nominated you for the role of spokesperson, which you declined. Speculation has arisen regarding resentments you may have had toward the NC. Could you clarify whether you were influenced by external persuasion or if the decision was taken on your own?
Mehdi: Until 2019, I served as the chief spokesperson for NC. However, following the events surrounding the abrogation (article 370), when communication restarted, I perceived a disconnect between our approach to the situation and what should have been our approach. This gap in approach, which I have previously addressed, was not confined solely to NC but was reflective of societal gaps in organizational efficacy. There existed a different political language at that time, one that diverged from my own. The effectiveness of a chief spokesperson depends upon alignment in both intent and communication style of the party. While our goals were aligned, differences in approach were evident. Mr. Omar recently acknowledged our differing approaches while affirming our shared objectives.
AB: Did they (NC) persuade you?
Mehdi: We discussed how parliamentary elections could serve as a platform for me to amplify my viewpoints. The compelling factor for me was the realization that the parliament represented the final way through which I could advocate for opinions I developed over the course of 4 years. Our discussion was productive, and I prefer not to use terms such as ‘resentment’ or ‘persuasion’.
AB: The Public Safety Act (PSA), use of pellet guns, and the incidents of violence in 2010 have all been attributed to NC. What is your response to this?
Mehdi: The accusations are there, and the government’s responsibility had gaps in it, but it’s not true that NC ordered those actions. The killings did not happen because of NC’s instructions. It’s crucial to admit that during those tough times, the way security forces reacted, leading to those unfortunate deaths, the government failed to make them answer for it. There are many reasons why this happened, but I will not defend them. What matters most are the mistakes themselves, not why they happened. Security forces operated without fear of repercussions, whether in 2008, 2010, or 2016. Rectifying those mistakes means making them answer for what they did, but we can only do that when people’s rights are protected. All political entities, whether it’s the PDP, NC, or Congress, should be held responsible, but by our own institutions. We shouldn’t just accept the prevailing circumstances. Our sovereign assurances were violated unconstitutionally and undemocratically. We did not accede to the Union of India under these unfair conditions. We had alternatives, but we chose this path because it gave us an elevated status. Everyone should advocate for the restoration of that status. When it comes to the NC, the people of Kashmir will decide if they should be punished or not, as they see fit. The BJP lacks the authority to punish, and they do not hold that position.
AB: You’ve mentioned that after Article 370 was revoked, people in Kashmir felt silenced. In the event of your victory in Srinagar, how will you help people express their opinions?
Mehdi: I’ve said this many times: protesting is a basic right in a democracy. Before the BJP came along, protesting was seen as a vital component in India’s democracy. But we ourselves succumbed to fear and failed to stand up like other regions, such as the northeastern states protesting or the demonstrations against the Citizenship Amendment Act and National Register of Citizens. Even when there were less significant issues, like the recent legislation for truck drivers, their associations mobilized effectively against the government.
These protests were smaller compared to what we were dealing with – our very existence. But fear stopped us from organizing and speaking out, leaving us in a state of collective psychological suffocation and hopeless. Despite my efforts over the past 4 years, I have been unable to turn mobilize political action. Now, this election campaign gives me an opportunity to use parliament to mobilize people and counter the extremism of the BJP. I want to find allies within India to spread accurate information. Many in India view Article 370 as an anti-national article, despite its similarity to arrangements in places like Pondicherry or Nagaland. The distinction lies in its application to a Muslim-majority state. Article 370, in reality fosters national integration. Mobilizing may one day help in restoring our dignity and rights.