National Conference’s New Revolutionary Strategy: Let’s Talk, But Not Too Loudly
Dr Noour Ali Zehgeer
In an election that wasn’t really about the National Conference, but rather a collective expression of the people’s discontent, something unusual happened: the National Conference won the day. Of course, not because of its traditional base or its decades-long policies, but because a wide swath of voters, who never saw themselves as affiliated with the party, decided that, at this moment, it was the most viable platform to channel their voices. The leadership of the party now faces a moment of great responsibility—to preserve and sustain the trust that has been placed in them, even if that trust was less about loyalty to their political creed and more about a desperate hope for change.
For all the chatter about this being a “vote for people’s politics,” the irony isn’t lost: the same people voting for the National Conference are painfully aware that the powers of the assembly have been so severely curtailed that governing might feel more like sitting in a decorative role rather than one of influence. With public safety laws figuratively shackling their potential actions, one might expect the National Conference to feel disempowered. But here’s where it gets exciting: that very limitation could turn into their greatest opportunity.
Yes, you read that right. The National Conference, which for years has been struggling under the weight of its political baggage, now gets to rebrand itself. Instead of the usual political theatre focused on Chief Ministers and deputy leaders, it could—just maybe—pivot toward being the “Chief Advocate” for the people. Omar Abdullah, always the articulate communicator, is in a prime position to “clarify” the world’s skewed understanding of Kashmir, with the weight of over a billion perspectives about the region’s relatively small population lying in the balance.
The road Ahead for JKNC Government is not easy, Omar needs to maintain cordial relation with centre and ensure fund flow and development work like highway is not stopped
let’s be honest. The task at hand is not a small one. The narrative surrounding Kashmir has been twisted by a media more interested in sensationalism than truth, manipulated by ideological forces, and distorted by electoral propaganda. Kashmir’s story is more complex than the world realizes, but unravelling these layers will take much more than eloquent speeches. Omar Abdullah, if he truly takes on this mantle, must systematically address these misconceptions, step by step, strategically dismantling decades of harmful narratives.
And while the urge might be to dive headfirst into this cause, a word of caution is in order. The National Conference must tread carefully. If the party’s leadership begins to operate as a disruptive force, it risks not only losing its influence but also alienating the very people it claims to represent. Exposing lies, fighting injustice, and countering propaganda are all noble goals, but they must be pursued constructively. The real test of political wisdom comes not from loud declarations but from gaining meaningful influence within the larger political landscape of India. This won’t happen overnight, and it certainly won’t happen through reactionary politics. It requires sustained effort, a careful balance of intellect and empathy, and the ability to speak the truth, even when it’s inconvenient.
Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on the somewhat uncomfortable relationship between Kashmiri politics and the notion of secularism. For years, “secularism” has been bandied about as a badge of honour, a talisman of sorts for political leaders attempting to navigate the delicate balance between religious and regional identities. But the word itself has lost its potency, particularly when it’s used as little more than a political crutch. The time has come to stop tossing it around opportunistically.
Let’s be clear: the people of Kashmir, particularly Kashmiri Muslims, don’t need superficial affirmations of secularism to live in harmony with their neighbours. Islam, like many religious traditions, has a rich history of coexisting with diverse communities. The problem isn’t whether people can coexist—it’s whether the political climate will allow for genuine dialogue and collaboration. The National Conference has an opportunity here, but only if it shifts the conversation away from mere tolerance and toward an authentic embrace of diversity.
Of course, any mention of Kashmir’s complex socio-political environment wouldn’t be complete without addressing the elephant in the room: the longstanding tensions between Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. And the deep-rooted misconceptions held by a vast majority of the Indian populace toward Kashmiris more broadly. For years, the “stones-and-guns” narrative has been peddled by the media, painting a one-dimensional portrait of a region steeped in violence. This portrayal does an immense disservice to the people of Kashmir, whose story is infinitely more nuanced.
But—and here’s the rub—it won’t be enough for the National Conference to preach to the choir. If the leadership truly wants to shift the narrative, they will need to engage a much broader audience. It’s not enough to talk about reconciliation within the confines of Kashmir. The real work begins when the leadership starts conversations with people across India, fostering connections and building bridges in a deeply polarized landscape. This is no small task, particularly in a climate where hatred and violence seem to be reaching a fever pitch. It’s precisely because of this intensity that the National Conference must act now.
Sure, the challenges are immense. The reach of the party is limited, resources are scarce, and the political environment is anything but welcoming. But there’s a silver lining here, too. The current moment, difficult as it is, provides an opportunity to lay the groundwork for future progress. If the party’s leadership can rise to the occasion—if they can engage with empathy and intellect, pushing for genuine dialogue within Kashmir and beyond—they could help chart a path toward safety and stability for the region’s people.
But the most critical point is this: the leadership of the National Conference must stop treating this electoral victory as a one-time event. This cannot be a “win today, forget tomorrow” scenario. The work ahead requires sustained effort. Building genuine political engagement is not a sprint, but a marathon that demands patience, careful strategy, and an unwavering commitment to justice and progress.
In conclusion, if the National Conference is serious about ushering in a new era of politics for Kashmir, it must look beyond mere electoral victories and focus on the larger, more transformative task at hand. It must seize this moment—not by shouting from the rooftops, but by quietly, steadily building the foundations of a more just and equitable future.
( The views expressed in the article are of the author. Straight Talk Communications doesn’t take responsibility of the comments made in the article.)
