Chenab Valley’s future depends on the restoration of statehood and the empowerment of its elected representatives, without which its developmental and political aspirations are likely to remain unfulfilled.
Mubashir Naik & Irshad Hussain
The recently concluded Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, while celebrated as a return to democratic process, have laid bare the marginalisation of the Chenab Valley—a region whose persistent challenges remain invisibilised despite enthusiastic electoral participation.
The National Conference (NC), the region’s oldest political party, emerged as the single largest party, securing 42 seats on October 8, 2024, giving the party a decisive mandate, following which Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured all regions of inclusive governance.
However, the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban find themselves once again relegated to the periphery, and there is a growing feeling that the peoples’ struggles with health, education, employment, and ecological degradation continue to be overlooked.
The election results, which saw four local representatives enter the legislative assembly, have done little to assuage the deep-seated frustration of a population that remains politically voiceless, despite the rhetoric of democratic representation.
However, the Chenab Valley, encompassing the districts of Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban, remains conspicuously absent from this new political equation, triggering widespread discontent among its residents.
Chenab Valley’s eight constituencies witnessed a fierce contest during the elections. Four MLAs from the region are part of the current government, yet none holds a ministerial or key administrative position.
Despite their electoral participation, the region remains politically sidelined. This exclusion perpetuates a history of neglect, leaving its population grappling with underdevelopment and marginalisation.
Asif Nawaz, a 28-year-old PhD student at the University of Kashmir, expressed dismay at this exclusion, terming it a continuation of Chenab Valley’s political marginalisation. “It raises questions about equitable power distribution,” he told The Kashmir Times. Nawaz highlighted that other regions with lesser representation were granted ministerial positions, making Chenab Valley’s exclusion more glaring.
The Chenab Valley has long suffered from inadequate infrastructure and minimal development. Of the 219 candidates in the 2024 elections, 64 contested from the region, including seven former ministers, four women, and 25 independents.
Ultimately, four seats went to the BJP, two to the NC, one to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and one to an independent candidate who later joined the NC. Despite these figures, the region remains without a voice in the government.
Residents hoped that the new government, backed by Chenab Valley’s MLAs, would address their long-standing grievances. Instead, the absence of representation underscores the persistent disparity in Jammu and Kashmir’s political structure. Nawaz lamented, “My family has always supported the NC, but the Omar-led government’s neglect of Chenab Valley has shaken that trust. Without representation, the region feels orphaned.”
Key Demands
Chenab Valley’s residents have consistently demanded the resolution of critical issues such as power supply, healthcare, road connectivity, and employment. Ironically, despite hosting numerous hydroelectric projects powering the state, the region endures prolonged power outages, especially during winter.
The local population faces displacement and environmental degradation without reaping any benefits. The area’s nickname, “Chirag Taley Andhera” (darkness under the lamp), aptly describes their plight.
The healthcare infrastructure is equally dismal. Emergencies often necessitate travel to Jammu or Srinagar due to inadequate facilities in local hospitals. For instance, the Associated Hospital at GMC Doda lacks the resources to handle critical situations.
The absence of specialists, diagnostic equipment, and life-saving drugs exacerbates the healthcare crisis. Women, in particular, suffer as maternity care is severely under-resourced.
Road connectivity is another pressing concern. Poorly maintained roads prone to landslides frequently cut off the region from the rest of the state during inclement weather.
These infrastructure gaps contribute to frequent road accidents, claiming hundreds of lives annually. The incomplete construction of the Vailoo-Sinthan-Kishtwar National Highway and delays in road-widening projects highlight the lack of political will to address the region’s connectivity woes.
Speaking to The Kashmir Times, Anzer Ayoob, founder of the Chenab Times News Portal, described Chenab Valley’s exclusion as systematic and deliberate. “Despite playing a central role in the recent Assembly Elections, the region has been politically orphaned. The current MLAs enjoy little power and are essentially symbolic figures,” Ayoob said. He added that until statehood is restored, elected representatives would remain powerless.
Chenab Valley has immense potential for development, given its rich natural resources and strategic location. The region’s hydroelectric projects, which contribute significantly to the state’s power supply, have yet to benefit the local population.
Residents have long demanded free or subsidized electricity as compensation for their displacement and environmental losses, but these demands remain unmet.
Unemployment is another chronic issue in Chenab Valley. Despite promises made during election campaigns, no significant steps have been taken to create job opportunities for the youth. The lack of industrialisation and skill development programs exacerbates this issue. Many young people are forced to migrate to other parts of India in search of work, leaving their families behind.
Political Exclusion and Its Implications
Observers argue that Chenab Valley’s lack of representation in the current cabinet isn’t merely symbolic but has real consequences. Issues like unemployment, education, and healthcare remain unresolved. Without a voice in the government, the region risks further alienation, perpetuating its status as a neglected area within Jammu and Kashmir.
Ayoob further explained, “The exclusion of Chenab Valley undermines the credibility of the Omar government. Discontent among voters could deepen, fueling demands for greater autonomy or structural changes to ensure fair representation.”
Prominent journalist Ishtiyaq Ahmed Dev noted that the NC has historically supported Chenab Valley’s development. “During the 1975 and 1982 NC governments, the region received significant attention. The current cabinet’s composition is incomplete, and once finalised, all regions will receive fair representation,” Dev assured.
Dev added that the NC’s mandate was a clear rejection of the central government’s policies, but the Lieutenant Governor’s influence hampers the government’s ability to function independently. “True representation can only occur when the elected government is fully empowered,” he asserted.
The civil society in Chenab Valley plays a crucial role in raising awareness about the region’s issues. Organisations and local journalists have highlighted the plight of displaced families, the dire need for better healthcare, and the environmental impact of hydroelectric projects. Their efforts have kept Chenab Valley’s concerns in the public eye, but without political backing, these issues remain unresolved.
The local media, including online platforms like Chenab Times, has become a vital voice for the region’s marginalised population. By reporting on the daily struggles of Chenab Valley’s residents, these platforms have pressured political parties to address long-standing grievances.
Chenab Valley’s future hinges on the restoration of statehood and the empowerment of its elected representatives. Until then, the region’s developmental and political aspirations are likely to remain unmet.
Addressing Chenab Valley’s grievances requires immediate attention to ensure inclusive governance and equitable resource distribution. Concrete steps such as prioritising infrastructure development, providing free electricity, improving healthcare, and creating job opportunities are crucial.
Without such measures, the region risks being left further behind in Jammu and Kashmir’s socio-political narrative. The people of Chenab Valley deserve better—not just as voters, but as integral stakeholders in the state’s development.
Mubashir Naik and Irshad Hussain are independent journalists based in Jammu and Kashmir. They tweet at @sule_khaak and @irshad55hussain.
Content retrieved from: https://kashmirtimes.com/news/chenab-valleys-silent-struggle-votes-won-voices-ignored.