Srinagar, Mar 27: Ashok Bhan, a prominent Supreme Court lawyer and Kashmiri leader, said democracy is crucial in fostering peace, stability and societal inclusiveness in Kashmir.

Speaking at a function of the International Peace Forum in Delhi, Bhan highlighted the need for Kashmiris to live in peace and enjoy the freedoms guaranteed by the constitution.

Bhan acknowledged the challenges faced by all segments of Kashmiris, including the loss of innocent lives, destruction of property, and displacement of natives. He stressed the importance of adopting policies that uphold fundamental freedoms, such as liberty, expression and democracy to address these issues effectively.

While acknowledging the success of the government's approach to containing terrorism, Ashok Bhan stressed the importance of winning the hearts and minds of the people through policies that promote freedom and human rights. He called for a balance between security measures and the enjoyment of constitutional freedoms to ensure peace and stability in Kashmir.

In the context of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Jammu & Kashmir, the SC advocate underscored the importance of electoral democracy as a means to mainstream Kashmiri affairs and promote peace. He discussed the significance of the newly carved Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituency and its potential impact on political trends in the region.

“The newly carved Anantnag-Rajouri constituency would act as a bridge between Jammu and Kashmir regions, potentially changing the political landscape of the area,” he said. The constituency is expected to witness a competitive election with various parties vying for success.

Bhan highlighted the aspirations of various political parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), to expand their influence in Kashmir through electoral victories. “For the BJP, the elections present an opportunity to extend its political base beyond Jammu and assert its potential in forming the government after assembly elections,” he said.

“These elections are important as these mark the first major electoral exercise since the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special constitutional status and the reorganisation of the region,” he added.

Emphasising the power of the vote in electoral democracy, Ashok urged fellow Kashmiris to participate in large numbers in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He called on Kashmiris to reject terrorism and work towards reviving the glory of Kashmir as a land of divine grace, spirituality, and innovation.

“Kashmiris should participate actively and send a message to the world about their rejection of terrorism and their aspirations for peace and prosperity in the region,” he said.

Bhan's remarks underscored the complex political landscape in Kashmir and the importance of democratic processes in promoting peace, stability, and inclusive development in the region.

With parliamentary elections approaching, Kashmiris are poised to exercise their democratic rights and shape the future of their region.