Democracy Denied: Sainik Colony Residents Battle for Their Right to Vote.
Right to elect representatives remains suspended since 2017.
High Court Order to conduct the Elections by October 22, 2024, Ignored.
||Black and White Digital News||
||Parvinder Singh ||
|| November20,2024 ||
Jammu : The residents of Sainik Colony, a prominent housing enclave in Jammu, are grappling with growing frustration as their democratic right to elect representatives remains suspended since 2017. Despite a landmark directive from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court on April 23, 2024, mandating the conduct of elections by October 22, 2024, authorities have failed to honor the timeline, leaving the community in a state of disillusionment.
The colony, which houses serving armed forces personnel, veterans, war widows, and civilians, has historically been a bastion of democratic participation. However, for seven years, its residents have been deprived of their fundamental right to vote, as the election process has been consistently delayed on what they term as “flimsy and unjustifiable grounds.”
The High Court’s directive earlier this year had been viewed as a ray of hope by the residents. The court had unequivocally instructed the authorities to expedite the electoral process, citing the importance of upholding democratic norms in a constituency that represents the nation’s defenders. Yet, as the October 22 deadline came and went without any tangible action, residents were left questioning the sincerity of the administration.
Sources within the colony allege that bureaucratic inefficiency and apathy are at the heart of the delay. “We are a community that has served and sacrificed for this nation. Is it too much to ask for our democratic rights to be respected?” asked a retired army officer who has lived in Sainik Colony for decades.
Brewing Discontent:
The simmering discontent among residents has now reached a tipping point. Several war widows and senior veterans, who are revered figures in the community, have openly expressed their disappointment. “We have already waited seven years. The High Court’s directive was not a suggestion—it was an order. Ignoring it is an insult to our service and sacrifices,” remarked a widow of a decorated soldier.
Many residents are now contemplating legal and alternative measures to ensure their voices are heard. A petition to file a contempt of court case against the authorities is gaining momentum within the colony. Others are considering peaceful protests to draw attention to their plight.
Calls for Accountability:
Community leaders and activists have also stepped forward, urging the administration to address the issue with urgency. “This delay is not just a breach of democratic rights but a stain on the promises of good governance,” said a local social worker. “Sainik Colony represents a microcosm of India’s spirit of service and resilience. Denying these residents their right to vote is unacceptable.”
The residents have made an impassioned plea to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir and other key officials to intervene. They have stressed the need for an impartial inquiry into the reasons behind the delay and a concrete timeline for holding elections.
The Larger Implications:
The delay in holding elections in Sainik Colony raises broader questions about the state of grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir. At a time when the region is striving to rebuild trust and strengthen democratic institutions, such lapses undermine the credibility of the administration and fuel discontent.
Moreover, the residents of Sainik Colony argue that their case sets a dangerous precedent. “If a community like ours, with such a strong connection to the nation’s identity, can be denied its rights, what hope is there for others?” asked a visibly upset young officer.
A Call to Action:
The inaction over the elections has also sparked discussions on the responsibility of governance. Experts argue that ignoring the plight of Sainik Colony’s residents could lead to a loss of faith in the democratic process itself. They urge the administration to act decisively, not just to fulfill a legal obligation but to reinforce the foundational values of democracy.
For now, the residents of Sainik Colony remain resolute. Whether through legal channels, peaceful protests, or public appeals, they are determined to reclaim their right to elect their representatives. As one resident poignantly put it, “We have fought battles for this country; now we are fighting one for ourselves.”
