In remote J&K, terror is another problem

Jammu: A hamlet deep inside dense forests and rugged terrain south of the Pir Panjal range in Kathua district of Jammu region was abuzz recently with a political meeting — a rare event in a place where communication with the outside world is sporadic at best. The assembly elections in J&K after a decade-long gap have cast Jammu into the heart of a political whirlwind, with fringe shows numerically dwarfing the big rallies.

Kalna Dhanu Parole, isolated from the hustle of the outside world, is difficult to reach. Cell and internet service is inconsistent, or non-existent. Residents have grown accustomed to uncertainty. Nightly knocks at the door are met with wariness. It could be anyone: a Pakistani terrorist, local police, or a relative bearing grave tidings.This is life in a village that has learned to live on edge, especially since the ambush near Badnota on July 8 where five soldiers from 22 Garhwal Rifles were killed by Pakistani terrorists as their trucks navigated the gut-churning switchbacks of the Machedi-Kindli-Malhar road. A resident of Kalna Dhanu Parole — barely 10km from the attack site — was arrested on suspicion of aiding the “foreign jihadis”.This summer has been particularly harsh for Jammu region, with terrorism taking a heavy toll. Since May, 15 security personnel have lost their lives, underscoring the persistent threat in a region that has already seen 52 such casualties since 2021. Civilians, too, have not been spared from the violence, leaving deep scars on the community.The administration has ramped up security measures to ensure a peaceful campaign and voting process. Additional paramilitary forces have been deployed across districts like Rajouri, Poonch, Doda, Kathua, and Reasi — areas that have seen heightened terrorist activity.The elections have sparked a renewed sense of hope among the people, eager to see their voices represented once more. Nukkad meetings and public rallies are being held in every corner — from bustling city centres to remote villages. Politicians are making their presence felt everywhere, engaging with constituents and promising to address their festering problems.However, this optimism comes against a backdrop of mounting challenges — from a resurgence of terrorism to the day-to-day issues plaguing the populace.The meeting at Kalna Dhanu Parole took place under the open sky, in a small clearing surrounded by towering pine trees. A local politician named Rajinder K, aspiring to contest the elections, spoke of change, of hope, of a better tomorrow.The residents listened intently, their faces a mixture of scepticism and hope. They are no strangers to the promises of politicians, many of which have gone unfulfilled. But the current circumstances — the absence of an elected govt, the rising threat of terrorism, and the daily struggles of living in such a remote and vulnerable area — have made them desperate for solutions. The politician promised to ensure that their voices are heard in the assembly, that their needs are addressed, and that their lives are made a little easier.After the speech, the meeting shifted to a more informal tone. Residents approached the politician, sharing their concerns directly. “We need better roads, improved security, and a local representative who understands our struggles,” a villager said.People talked about the lack of healthcare, the unreliable electricity, the unpaved roads that become impassable during rainy days and the winter. They spoke of the constant fear they live under, not knowing if the next knock at their door will bring good news or bad.For many voters, the aim was to find a means of catharsis from tensile situations. “This is our chance to elect a govt that truly represents us. I am proud to be part of this process,” said first-time voter Pallavi Padha, sneaking a sideways glance at a windsock dummy plastered with election graffiti in Jammu city.In Basholi of Kathua district, the scars of terrorism are raw, but the need for better healthcare and road infrastructure is a hot-button topic driving voters to the polls.