by Syed Shadab Ali Gillani
NOORABAD: Sakina Itoo, who throughout her career has survived twenty assassination attempts, was once one of the only two female politicians in Kashmir. She is running again for the assembly from DH Pora, the area that went to polls on September 18, 2024, hopeful she will make it again.
A mostly mountainous area, the Damhal Hanjipora (DH Pora) assembly (formerly called Noorabad) is the remotest of the three Kulgam constituencies. With previously high participation in elections, it polled 68 per cent, one of the highest.
The area’s electoral history is marked by significant political shifts, notable victories, and closely contested elections. This makes the upcoming poll highly contested.
The contest in this constituency is mainly between JKNC and PDP with the latter’s vote splitting between the party’s last candidate, Abdul Majid Paddar, and the new candidate, Gulzar Ahad Dar. Paddar, who won in 2014, is now with the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party.
Strong Grassroots Presence
“A lot has changed. Earlier, it was Noorabad, and now it is Damhal Hanjipura,” Ms Itoo said, talking about the constituency and the delimitation. “They tried to destroy the constituencies, but thanks to Allah, we have new areas added. Some were cut, but we worked tirelessly for their development. At least 10 to 15 new villages are now part of our constituency.”
Her connection with these villages runs deep, harkening back to the days of her father, the late Wali Mohammed Itoo. He was a prominent political figure who represented the same constituency multiple times before he was killed by militants in 1994.
“These areas were once with Noorabad during my father’s time and later became part of Kulgam. The people of these villages always told me they felt they should have remained with Noorabad. Now they are back with us, and it feels like good fortune,” said Itoo.
The political climate in Jammu and Kashmir is intense, with the JKNC forming a pre-poll alliance with the Congress party. When asked about the coalition and the party’s standing at the grassroots level, Itoo spoke with confidence. “It is not about competition. Elections are a democratic right, and everyone has the chance to participate. Each party believes they can win. But in my constituency, the results are clear. In the recent Parliament elections, 18,000 people voted for the National Conference,” she said.
Itoo emphasised that the numbers show widespread support for her party. “In my constituency, the people have already decided. Wherever I go, I am welcomed with enthusiasm. After the Parliament election, around 10,000 members of the PDP joined us. We have their entire list and everything is on record. This shows that our support has grown since the last election. I am confident that the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially Noorabad, have made their decision to support the JKNC,” she said with firm belief. “The game here is one-sided.”
From Margins to Mainstream
Talking about women’s participation in Jammu and Kashmir politics, Itoo acknowledged the stark gender imbalance. “There are very few women in mainstream politics here. I have been involved for a long time, officially starting in 1996, though my father was an MLA four times before that. I have seen the political environment from childhood.”
Sakina Itoo highlighted the government’s initiative to boost women’s representation through a 33 per cent reservation. However, she noted that women are yet to fully capitalize on this opportunity. “There is so much capability in our sisters, and they can contribute greatly to politics, making important decisions. Unfortunately, they are not coming forward yet,” she asserted.
Itoo also praised her party’s efforts to encourage women in politics. “The JKNC has reserved seats for women in Panchayat elections, thanks to Omar Abdullah’s leadership as Chief Minister. Today, women are actively involved with us, and more are contesting in our party than in any other. Progress may be slow, but it is happening,” she noted optimistically.
Sakina Itoo recalled a pivotal moment in Kashmir’s political landscape when women’s representation was scarce. “There was a time when I was one of only two women in politics, alongside PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti,” she said. However, she noted a significant shift. “Now, more women are getting involved. Women hold positions of power at the district level, and I am certain even more will join when the 33 per cent reservation is fully implemented.”
Itoo draws inspiration from trailblazing women in South Asian politics. She mentioned Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead a democratic government in a Muslim-majority country, and Indira Gandhi, India’s first and only woman prime minister. “Both were powerful leaders,” Itoo emphasised.
Another influential figure is Begum Akbar Jehan, known as Madre-Meharbaan in Kashmir. “She was a strong woman who stood by her husband, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah, even visiting him in jail,” Itoo recounted. “When he asked her to remove her veil and lead the people, she stepped forward.” Itoo had the opportunity to meet Madre-Meharbaan briefly in 1996 and was deeply inspired by her intelligence and leadership skills.
Itoo’s experiences and inspirations highlight the progress made towards greater women’s representation in Kashmiri politics, as well as the continued work to be done.
From Medicine to Politics
Sakina Itoo’s path to politics was unexpected. Initially, she dreamed of becoming a doctor. “From the beginning, I worked hard to become a doctor. My late father was very fond of the idea too. He always said he wanted me to serve the people, especially women, in remote areas,” she recalled.
However, her life took a dramatic turn in 1994 when her father was killed in Jammu. As a medical student, Sakina was suddenly thrust into politics. “When the 1996 elections came, people forced me into politics. I was neither interested, nor prepared, and it was all very sudden,” she admitted.
In 1996, Sakina contested her first assembly election at just 26 years old, becoming the youngest member of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly. Despite the challenges, she persevered, inspired by her father’s legacy.
Sakina’s early days in politics were marked by fear and uncertainty. “There were no roads, only gated bridges. We walked everywhere. Every evening, I wondered if we would return home. Militants were active everywhere, and there was constant fear,” she recounted. Yet, she noted, “Despite the danger, people came out to support me.”
Today, Sakina Itoo is a respected leader in Kashmiri politics, having served as a cabinet minister and state secretary of the JKNC. Her remarkable journey serves as a testament to her resilience and dedication to serving the people of Kashmir.
Her father’s influence, she admitted, played a significant role in her early success, with people supporting her not just for who she was, but for who her father was. As she poignantly put it, “People did not know my name; they just called me ‘Itoo’s daughter.’”
Sakina’s story is a testament to the power of community and the impact of leadership. From medicine to politics, her journey serves as an inspiration to many, especially women in Kashmiri politics.
Overcoming Adversity
Sakina Itoo’s entry into politics was marked by hardship and resilience. As a young politician, she faced numerous challenges, including fierce opposition from militants and political rivals. “I faced around 20 assassination attempts during my career,” she recalled. “There were times when people urged me to stay home for my safety, but I kept going.”
Despite these obstacles, Itoo persevered, driven by her commitment to her people and her father’s legacy. “After so many attacks, I never thought of leaving politics. My father was martyred, and I felt it was my duty to carry on his legacy,” she said.
Itoo’s determination paid off. After losing an election by just 50 votes in 2002, she bounced back to win again in 2008. “The people of this region are wise. They know who to trust, and they have supported me because I have always been there for them,” she noted. “The road ahead is clear, and I am confident that they will support me again.”
As a seasoned politician, Itoo has held various portfolios, including Minister for Education, Tourism, and Social Welfare. Her dedication to public service has earned her recognition, including the Best MLA Award in 2012.
