How Local Movements Shape Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Politics

How Local Movements Shape Azad Jammu and Kashmir’s Politics

A fragile balance between local movements, regional dynamics, and own aspirations of the population has traditionally defined the politics of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), a coalition, is among the latest and most noticeable players in this political field that purports to defend the rights of the Kashmiri people. However, behind its discourse of justice and reform, several observers suspect that the movement has caused the egalitarian discourse of the people to deviate, instead of pursuing constructive discourse and also in place of respect there is danger and alienation.

Role and Activities of JAAC

Although JAAC poses as a representative of the people, its activities say otherwise in most cases. It is not an instrument of disruption, but rather a tool to achieve solution of real issues in society such as lack of employment, economic stagnation, and accessibility to basic services. The constant strikes and sit-ins in the movement have damaged the livelihoods in the area, and interfered with the social order. These protests, which are being pushed as a struggle of rights, have brought chaos, and ruined the very institutions that should be serving them.

Besides, JAAC has been represented as a people’s movement, but the irony is that its actions keep eroding the confidence of the masses in the state establishments. Slandering and undermining such institutions can seem like a way of undermining authority, and in the process actually undermining the society. The service to the people cannot be nurtured in conflict, but in collaboration, openness, and interaction. Political dialogue is the key to the resolution of social and economic problems of Kashmir, but not extended agitation in the streets. Thus, the only way is through dialogue.

The Kashmiri people are aware of what they really need which is employment, development, and peace. They want opportunity, but not upheaval. The young people are seeking employment and development, rather than anarchy and proclamations.

Every hour spent in protest is an hour stolen from progress.

Any hour on roadblocks or strike is an hour wasted in restoration of an economy, which is already subjected to colossal strain. In this sense, JAAC’s agenda seems more concerned with making noise than delivering real solutions, which is “Shor Zayda, hall zero,” as locals have begun to remark.

What Entails Real Change in Kashmir

Moreover, the way forward of Kashmir will never be through protests. Real change is driven by action, planning, and collaboration. AJK needs stable rules, foreign direct investments, and good institutions that could offer education, infrastructure, and social welfare. Political theatrics can also gain attention, but they seldom put roads in place, create employment, or bring peace.

Political Unrest and Foreign Influence

Besides, politics powered by unrest is also conducive to the players of instability. Foreign powers and partisan accounts typically have a ready breeding ground, when local activist groups have lost sight of the common good. The division cannot be sustained by the use of emotional slogans, but instead, by doing so foreign influence can be aroused. Movements that are based on such outside interests are likely to come to a halt due to their contradictions. This leads to the highest price being paid by the people who are most deserving.

Position of Pakistan

Furthermore, the position of Pakistan in this regard is important. The State of Pakistan has always stood by the people of AJK, and reiterated that it cares about their welfare and future. It has concentrated on developing the region by enhancing good governance, economic and infrastructural development, which can facilitate the livelihood of the people. Hence, Islamabad recognizes the fact that the only answer to a successful Kashmir is to work together rather than to fight.

Politics of Agitation is a Loss to People

Another thing which is worth noting is that the politics of agitation usually breed winners and losers, and never stability. Every strike can be branded as a triumph of the power of people, however, in practice, it is interrupting trade and education, and sending away investors. Such frequent closures in the long run only increase economic despair. Strike, as a matter of fact, is just another form of loss of people.

Thereby, the trends are slowly being unraveled by many in AJK today. The very components that used to purport to represent the people are getting exposed increasingly, by being found to be more interested in noise than nation building. The public message is getting clearer, and that is Kashmiris want progress, not protest. They desire peace and not political drama. So, they desire to have their voices heard, but not in the form of clashing with the institutions which are meant to help them.

The real strength of Kashmir lies not in agitation, but in unity and purposeful progress.

Hence, politics of chaos is one of the direct challenges to development. To ensure that AJK has a brighter future, the community needs to leave the atmosphere of disruption in favor of cohesiveness and collaboration. The actual popular agenda of peace, prosperity, and alliance to Pakistan is the only way to go. Thus, the future of Kashmir is not based on the turmoil, but is based on trust, hard work, and mutual progress.