Until recently, the elections held in Jammu and Kashmir were generally seen as supporting the separatists or the pro-India political parties. But strangely in the run up to the assembly elections this time, even the pro-India parties are using separatist slogans during campaign. During a recent rally in Budgam, National Conference leaders held New Delhi responsible for all problems brewing in Kashmir. They infact proffered an olive branch to the terrorists. Omar Abdullah, the president of the National Congress, said that his party will win the forthcoming elections if God and the people of the land so willed.

 

Adding, the young politician said that not only a ceasefire with the militants would be declared, but also talks initiated with them without any conditions. On the other hand even the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which is a partner in the Congress-led government in the state, is talking about self-rule and demilitarization. The PDP is also demanding to share a currency and legislative council with Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The PDP president, Mehbooba Mufti infact demanded to know what was bad or sinful about implementing these measures.

 

Until now most separatist groups in Jammu and Kashmir region have not mentioned anything about boycotting the polls. Now, the mainstream parties have actually given them a handle to justify their cause. In their objective to win the separatist constituency in Kashmir, the pro-India parties have ended up approving the soft separatism. All indicators point out that the 2008 assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir region will be contested mainly on anti-India rhetoric.