The Flag of Jammu and Kashmir: A Disconnect Between Symbol and Sentiment
A flag, more than just a visual representation, is a deep-rooted symbol of national identity, unity, and shared aspirations. For any region or nation, it serves as a unifying emblem, capturing the essence of its history, struggles, and values. The flag of Jammu and Kashmir, however, failed to evoke such sentiments among the Kashmiri populace. Rooted in the National Conference (NC) party’s identity, the flag was never truly accepted as a national symbol of Kashmir by the masses. This disconnect can be traced back to the flag’s origins and the way it was wielded politically in a region yearning for genuine representation and autonomy.
Historically and philosophically, a flag serves as more than a mere symbol of governance. It reflects the people’s struggles, their victories, and the shared identity of a nation. Flags across the world evoke deep emotional responses, from pride to grief, as they encapsulate the collective aspirations of a people.
In contrast, Kashmir’s state flag—a red field with a white plough—failed to serve this purpose. The flag’s design was a near replica of the National Conference’s party flag, with only minor modifications. It was first adopted by the NC during its early years, with the red symbolising labour and the plough representing the working class. However, the transition of this party flag into the official state flag in 1952, under the leadership of Sheikh Abdullah, created a stark dissonance.
What should have been a symbol of the state’s autonomy and the will of its people, instead became a symbol of political monopolisation.
The flag of Jammu and Kashmir never resonated with the people as a symbol of their collective aspirations or autonomy. This disconnect is evident in how the flag was largely absent from public demonstrations, protests, and other political expressions in Kashmir. Unlike national flags, which are often hoisted with pride during rallies, the Kashmiri flag seldom appeared in moments of political upheaval, both before and after the revocation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019. Its absence speaks volumes about how it was never perceived as a true symbol of the region’s identity by the people.
Instead, Kashmiris would often hoist green flags, green is often associated with Islam, symbolising peace, paradise, and faith, or other symbols that better represented their frustrations and aspirations. The official state flag, with its deep association with the National Conference, was viewed as a tool of political convenience rather than a unifying emblem for the people of the region.
A critical reason behind the flag’s failure to resonate with the Kashmiri people lies in its close association with the National Conference. The flag’s origins within the party and its eventual adoption as the official state symbol point to an attempt by the NC to blur the lines between the party and the state, creating a monopoly over political identity in the
region. This tactic, while politically advantageous for the NC, was undemocratic and problematic for a region like Kashmir, which already struggled with questions of autonomy and representation.
By having the state flag almost identical to its own party flag, the National Conference symbolically reinforced the notion that the party and the state were one and the same. This not only undermined the democratic fabric of the region but also alienated large sections of the population who did not see themselves represented by the NC’s political narrative. A healthy democracy thrives on pluralism and diversity in representation. However, the NC’s attempt to establish monotony within the political space of Jammu and Kashmir through symbolic measures such as the flag stifled alternative voices and perspectives.
From a democratic standpoint, the conflation of the state’s identity with a single political party sets a dangerous precedent. Democracy demands plurality, where different voices, ideologies, and perspectives can thrive and represent the diverse needs of a population. In Kashmir’s case, the flag’s close association with the National Conference deprived the state of a symbol that could represent the collective identity of its people, transcending party lines.
By adopting a near-identical flag, the National Conference effectively sent a message that there was no room for competing political ideologies or alternatives within the region. This move was seen as an attempt to further
consolidate power and cement the NC’s dominance in Kashmir’s political landscape. The lack of a distinct, neutral flag that could unite the people of Jammu and Kashmir as a whole was a missed opportunity to foster a broader sense of unity and inclusivity.
In conclusion, the flag of Jammu and Kashmir was more a reflection of the National Conference’s political monopoly than a true representation of the people’s aspirations. Its failure to resonate with the masses stems from its deep association with the NC’s political agenda and its inability to evolve into a symbol of autonomy, resistance, or unity for the region. The absence of the flag during key moments in Kashmiri history—especially during protests and rallies—further highlights its detachment from the emotional and political sentiments of the people.
For a flag to hold philosophical and emotional importance, it must transcend party politics and become a symbol of the collective will and identity of the people. In Jammu and Kashmir, this was never achieved. Instead, the state flag became a symbol of political compromise and monotony, failing to capture the hearts and minds of the Kashmiri people. As a result, Kashmir remains without a true national symbol that reflects its unique identity, history, and aspirations.
Contact: shahather98@gmail.com
