J&K Statehood Promise Unfulfilled

J&K's Unfulfilled Statehood Promise Weakens Elected Government

The 2022 UT elections in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) saw an impressive turnout of 63.90%, reflecting residents' faith in democratic processes and their yearning for unity and hope. The elections, held last October, resulted in the formation of the Omar Abdullah ministry, which pledged to restore statehood for the region. However, nearly four years later, this promise remains unfulfilled, leaving the elected government in a weakened position.

The Centre had assured the Supreme Court that it would discuss a time frame for restoring statehood. Despite this commitment, the issue remains unresolved. To address this, powers between the elected government and the LG's office must be clearly defined and separated until a decision on statehood is made. Currently, the LG's office manages internal security, but day-to-day administration should be entrusted to the elected government to ensure smooth governance.

The Omar Abdullah ministry was formed following elections held on November 7, 2008. Despite the passage of time, the promise of statehood has not been fulfilled, reducing the elected government to a 'toothless entity'. This situation highlights the need for the Centre to honour its commitments and restore statehood to J&K, thereby empowering the elected government and its people.

The 2022 UT elections in Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated residents' trust in democracy and their hope for a better future. However, the unfulfilled promise of statehood has weakened the elected government. For genuine political healing and empowerment, the Centre must honour its commitments, clearly define powers, and restore statehood to J&K.