Jammu and Kashmir:Political Alienation, Regional Divergence and Communal Polarisation

Contemporary political situation in Jammu and Kashmir is well understood by the electoral politics of the state since the assembly elections of 1983. This politics of the state is first an analysis of Kashmir's politics with reference to its situation of militancy and alienation. This analysis of Kashmir's politics is spread over three phases. The first phase between 1983 and 1987 is the period setting the base for alienation, political upsurge and militancy. The second phase between 1987 and 1996 is the period of political crisis. The third phase between 1996 and 2002 is the period of restoration of the political process. Secondly, it is the analysis of the politics of Jammu and Ladakh with reference to widely prevailing interregional and sub-regional discontent. This deals with electoral politics of both these regions in the context of assertion of multiple identities operating both at the regional and sub-regional level. Finally, the significant shift that has taken place in the politics of the state with the 2002 assembly elections gives insight into the future politics of the state.