A farmer harvests rice in a paddy field after casting his vote during the second phase of the Assembly election in Ganderbal on September 25, 2024.
| Photo Credit: Adil Abass

After a decade-long gap, Jammu and Kashmir, now divided into two Centrally-administered territories, held its first Assembly election. The last election was in 2014 and led to the formation of a coalition government, which was dismissed in 2018. A political void has been created by the absence of a legitimate government and a sense of marginalisation among the people.

Elections in Kashmir have always been characterised by low voter turnout. But the recent election shows a different direction, the high voter turnout means Kashmiris are ready to speak out after years of waiting.

The National Conference, which is the largest regional party and a key partner of the Congress party, won 42 Assembly seats in the recent election, and almost all of them are in the Kashmir Valley.

Participants were many who continued their agricultural work while participating in political activities, a dual commitment to livelihood and democratic engagement.

Younger voters, especially the unemployed, were particularly eager to show that they would vote, a sign of hope for the future.

However, this atmosphere of engagement is not without its challenges. The election campaigns saw tensions emerge, especially between rival candidates, who confronted each other while their supporters and campaigners faced restrictions.

Active participation of citizens is seen during the campaign period with crowds of people on foot, on motorbikes and on farm tractors with party flags during the rice harvesting season.

Women also played a part, singing traditional Kashmiri political songs and ceremonies to show their support for candidates. Women greeted candidates with flowers and blessings as they visited villages, a sign of hope for a better future for all. These cultural expressions are not only an indication of women’s engagement in the electoral process but also a reflection of the community’s strength.

The incidents sparked protests from party workers in their party headquarters, who continue to fight their battles within the electoral democracy of the region.

The high expectations surrounding the elections are a reflection of a deep-seated desire for positive change, as Kashmir navigates this critical juncture.

After casting their ballots, the voters returned to their fields, showing a commitment to both their political rights and their agricultural responsibilities. However, once the results are announced, the people of Kashmir are fearful that another political force will take away their election and democratic processes, as they have in the past.

Adil Abass is an independent photojournalist from Kashmir, focusing on political, social, and cultural narratives

A.G. Noorani is remembered as an intellectual who upheld the principles of democracy and constitutionalism throughout his long and distinguished career.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu Archives

Renowned lawyer, constitutional expert, and prolific author who made significant contributions to legal scholarship and political discourse in India for over six decades, A.G. Noorani is no more. A long-term contributor to Frontline, Noorani was widely respected for his insightful analysis on constitutional and human rights issues.

Born in Bombay (now Mumbai) in 1930, Abdul Ghafoor Abdul Majeed Noorani began his career as a lawyer in the Bombay High Court in 1953. Though he practised law, Noorani devoted much of his time to writing on legal, political, and historical topics. His sharp intellect and deep knowledge of constitutional matters made him a sought-after commentator on Indian politics and jurisprudence.

Noorani was a regular contributor to leading publications like Economic & Political Weekly, The Hindustan Times, and The Statesman. However, it was his association with Frontline magazine, which began in the 1980s, that brought his incisive writing to a wide audience. His column “Constitutional Questions” ran for over three decades and was known for its meticulous research and balanced analysis of complex legal issues.

As an author, Noorani penned over a dozen books on various aspects of Indian constitutional law, politics, and history. Some of his notable works include The Kashmir Question (1964), Ministers’ Misconduct (1973), Constitutional Questions and Citizens’ Rights (2006), and The RSS: A Menace to India (2019). His writings often took a critical look at government overreach and erosion of democratic norms.

Noorani was known for his strong advocacy of civil liberties and secularism. He was a vocal critic of laws that he believed infringed on fundamental rights, such as preventive detention laws and restrictions on freedom of expression. His legal expertise made him a respected voice in debates on judicial reforms and accountability.

Though he never held any official position, Noorani’s opinions carried weight in legal and political circles. He was often consulted on constitutional matters and his writings were cited in academic works and even Supreme Court judgments.

Noorani leaves behind a rich legacy of constitutional scholarship and political commentary. He is remembered as an intellectual who upheld the principles of democracy and constitutionalism throughout his long and distinguished career.

While revered in progressive and liberal circles, Noorani was not without his critics. Some felt his views were too idealistic or out of step with changing political realities. Nonetheless, his commitment to constitutional values and rigorous analysis earned him respect across the political spectrum.

Here’s a curated list of articles Noorani wrote for Frontline. We have kept them outside the paywall to honour the genius that he was. Please read them and share your comments.