Taziyat Politics in Kashmir: Grief in the Shadow of Vote Banks
Advocate Mudasir Naqshbandi
In Kashmir, taziyat has always been a deeply respected social and cultural practice a quiet expression of solidarity with families in mourning. It is meant to be a space of humility, compassion, and shared grief. However, in recent years, this sacred space has increasingly been overshadowed by political maneuvering, turning moments of loss into opportunities for visibility, influence, and vote-bank consolidation.
Political parties, irrespective of ideology, have begun to treat taziyat gatherings as platforms rather than sanctuaries. Condolence visits are no longer limited to offering prayers or comfort; they are often accompanied by large entourages, party workers, and sometimes even media presence.
The focus subtly shifts from the grieving family to the political figure who arrived, how many people accompanied them, and how the visit can be projected publicly.
This transformation reflects a troubling reality: grief is being instrumentalized. For many political actors, attending taziyat is less about empathy and more about optics. These visits are calculated, often targeting specific communities or regions where political mileage can be gained. By being seen at moments of tragedy, leaders attempt to project accessibility, compassion, and connection with the masses qualities that can translate into electoral support.
In some instances, party workers actively mobilize crowds during such visits, turning what should be a solemn gathering into a subtle show of strength. Slogans may not always be raised, but the underlying message is clear: presence equals relevance. The bereaved family, in such cases, risks becoming a backdrop to a carefully managed political performance.
This misuse of taziyat spaces also creates an uneven landscape of empathy. Not every loss receives the same level of attention. Tragedies that align with political narratives or offer strategic advantage are amplified, while others remain largely ignored. Such selective mourning undermines the very spirit of taziyat, which is supposed to transcend divisions and affirm the equal value of every human life.
Furthermore, this trend places an unfair burden on grieving families. In moments of profound loss, they are expected to receive political delegations, manage public attention, and navigate the implicit pressures of hospitality. What should be a private space for healing becomes a public stage, often leaving families feeling exposed and emotionally overwhelmed.
The role of visibility cannot be ignored. In the age of social media, condolence visits are quickly transformed into posts, images, and narratives that serve political branding. A handshake, a brief sit-down, or even a moment of silence can be packaged and shared to reinforce a leader’s image. In doing so, the line between genuine empathy and political advertisement becomes increasingly blurred.
Yet, it is important to acknowledge that public representatives do have a responsibility to stand with people in times of grief. The issue is not their presence, but the manner and intent behind it. When humility is replaced by spectacle, and sincerity by strategy, the essence of taziyat is compromised.
To restore dignity to these spaces, political parties must exercise restraint. Condolence visits should be quiet, respectful, and free from unnecessary display. Media involvement should be minimized, and the focus should remain on offering genuine support rather than gaining visibility. Society, too, has a role to play in recognizing and questioning performative gestures.
Kashmir’s culture of taziyat has long been a symbol of its collective humanity a reminder that in grief, all differences dissolve. Allowing it to be reduced to a political tool not only disrespects the bereaved but also erodes a vital social value.
Grief is not a constituency, and mourning is not a campaign. Preserving the sanctity of taziyat is essential not just for cultural integrity, but for the moral conscience of society itself.
The political parties in Jammu and Kashmir have increasingly shown a worrying desperation to convert taziyat gatherings into opportunities for media coverage and social media visibility.
What was once a solemn and private moment of condolence is now often overshadowed by cameras, hurried photo sessions, and strategically crafted posts aimed at capturing public attention. Leaders and party activists, instead of quietly sharing the grief of the bereaved, are seen documenting their presence ensuring that images and videos are uploaded promptly to highlight their “concern” and “solidarity.”
This growing trend reduces the sanctity of mourning to mere content for digital consumption, where the pain of a grieving family is subtly turned into a backdrop for political messaging and self-promotion. Such actions not only appear insensitive but also erode the trust and respect that people expect from those in positions of leadership.
At a time when families are dealing with irreplaceable loss, the intrusion of publicity driven gestures adds to their emotional burden rather than easing it. These practices must be immediately stopped. Political activists and leaders must recognize that taziyat is not a stage, nor is grief a tool for engagement or influence. It is a deeply human moment that demands silence, dignity, and genuine empathy.
Respecting the sorrow of those who have lost their loved ones means stepping back from the urge to publicize, refraining from turning condolences into spectacle, and allowing mourning to remain what it is meant to be a space of compassion, not competition.
(The author is a lawyer)
