Israr Shahid a writer and Poet says that as the Election Commission of India announces the long-awaited Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir, the region's people are eagerly preparing to cast their votes with renewed enthusiasm. This election holds special significance as it will be the first since 2014, and more importantly, the first since the significant changes in 2019. One remarkable aspect of this democratic process is the diversity of candidates stepping forward. Individuals from Jamaat-e-Islami, those who once held separatist ideologies, and others who have previously voiced opposition to the state are now actively participating in the election. They are contesting and receiving government-provided security, vehicles, and protection. This is a powerful testament to the strength of Indian democracy, which embraces dissent and fosters inclusivity. In stark contrast, our neighbouring countries like Pakistan offer a grim picture. There, citizens lack fundamental rights such as freedom of speech, the ability to express dissent, the opportunity to witness free and fair elections, and the right to challenge injustices. India's democracy, by comparison, stands as a beacon of greater participation and inclusiveness.

Adv Tahir Lone criminal layer and legal expert, states that on 11th December 2023, the five senior-most judges of the Hon’ble Supreme Court upheld the Union government's decision to abrogate Article 370, which had granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. On the same day, the Supreme Court directed the Union government to hold Assembly elections in J&K by the end of September 2024, and this is exactly what we are witnessing today. This sequence of events clearly demonstrates that democracy and the Constitution are paramount in India. It also highlights the autonomy and integrity of institutions such as the judiciary and the Election Commission of India. In contrast, in Pakistan, we have seen instances where courts have been convened at night to favour a particular political class, raising questions about the independence of such institutions. Perhaps the most striking example of India's greater democracy is the participation of former militants in these elections, actively campaigning and engaging with the democratic process.

Syed Showket, an expert in opinions and analysis, ‘India is the mother of democracy, and this is evident in how our democratic principles play out on the ground. Without naming specific individuals, let's consider any hypothetical person—let's call them A, B, or C—who has spent their life demonstrating against the state, expressing dissent in the press, or even taking up arms against the government. In countries like China, such a person might be summarily executed or face immediate, harsh punishment. However, in India, even those involved in anti-state activities are given the opportunity for a fair trial. They are not arbitrarily executed; instead, they must go through the judicial process. Their families can appeal for bail, and legal avenues are available to them. This commitment to justice, even for those who oppose the state, is what sets Indian democracy apart and earns it respect across the globe.

Vaiz Zargar, student of journalism says that Sarjan Ahmad Wagay, also known as Sarjan Barkati—the poster boy of the 2016 unrest—along with Zaffar Habib, Saleem Geelani of the separatist Hurriyat Conference, and others who once held separatist ideologies, are now contesting from different assembly segments. This remarkable shift illustrates how democracy has triumphed and remains supreme above all else. It is a testament to the power of democratic principles that individuals who once opposed the state are now embracing the electoral process. I am reminded of the words of Vajpayee Ji, who aptly captured this transformation with his vision of "Kashmiriyat, Jamhooriyat, and Insaniyat" (Kashmir's cultural ethos, democracy, and humanity). This shift signifies that democracy in Kashmir has not only survived but also thrived.

Aafiya Syed, A women activist and expert in gender studies says that I am genuinely pleased to see that those who once actively threatened others during electoral processes in Kashmir are now themselves participating as candidates. This is a clear indication that democracy treats everyone equally. It is this very democracy that allows everyone to exercise their rights, whether by voting or contesting elections. In stark contrast, in Pakistan, non-Muslims are often disenfranchised and barred from participating in the electoral process. But in India, our democracy embraces inclusivity. For instance, Surinder Singh Channi, a Sikh, is contesting from the Muslim-majority area of Tral, while Ghulam Mohammad Saroori, a Muslim, recently contested from the predominantly Hindu Udhampur Parliamentary constituency, which has an 88.12% Hindu population. This is the true essence of democracy, where inclusiveness and equal opportunities are the foundation.

Syed Aaliya is a prominent and regular writer and expert in options says Kashmir has undoubtedly been a volatile region from the beginning, making the upholding of democratic principles a significant challenge. In contrast, both China and Pakistan have demonstrated how dissent is met with threats, fear, and suppression. Citizens in these countries have little to no rights when it comes to disagreeing with the state, and persecution often follows swiftly. In India, however, even those who are considered anti-state are afforded fair trials and can always seek justice through the judiciary. Beyond this, one of the most crucial rights we exercise in Indian democracy is the 'Right to Information' (RTI). This right empowers citizens to seek information from any government institution, ensuring that the government remains accountable to its people.
Mariya Jan social activist and political expertise says that In India, the power of democracy lies in the hands of the people, who can influence governance through the ballot. Elections in Jammu & Kashmir, where even former separatists are now candidates, are a testament to how democracy can empower and transform. This shift from opposition to participation shows that democracy doesn’t just tolerate dissent but encourages its evolution into constructive engagement. This empowerment extends beyond just voting; through mechanisms like the Right to Information, citizens can hold their leaders accountable long after the votes are counted. This continuous participation ensures that the government remains responsive to the needs and rights of its people.

Syed Furkaan Kashmir based expertise and a writer on different issue says that India's democracy thrives on its diversity, managing to unify a country with countless languages, religions, and cultures. Unlike neighboring countries where a single narrative is often imposed, India’s democratic framework encourages a multiplicity of voices and perspectives. This inclusiveness allows for peaceful coexistence and dialogue among different communities. Whether it’s a Sikh candidate running in a Muslim-majority area or a Muslim candidate in a Hindu-majority region, democracy ensures that everyone has a seat at the table. This ability to embrace diversity and channel it into constructive participation is what strengthens India, making it resilient in the face of challenges that would destabilize other nations.