In his fresh meeting with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has once again pushed for statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. While the Centre has its own roadmap which it has been keeping close to its chest, the CM Omar wants early statehood to implement his election promises.
The CM’s problems have mounted with his government being increasingly seen as an extension of an extension of the Lieutenant Governor’s administration. He can barely help this. In a union territory, this is how an elected government is expected to operate: It has jurisdiction over development function but as for major administrative decisions, it has to largely be subservient to the LG. But along the way, many issues crop up with the elected government finding it challenging to straddle expectations of the people and the need to follow the LG’s orders. This creates a disconnect with people. If people do not feel they have a stake in the system, alienation will only grow.
The killing of a civilian in Sopore and suicide of another in Kathua following alleged police torture are a case in point. The chief minister’s point—that militancy cannot be eliminated in a vacuum—rings true. Security forces alone cannot bridge the gap between the administration and the people. That can only happen through dialogue, accountability, and a genuine effort to bring governance closer to the ground.
Beyond security, there is the question of development. Omar’s discussion on tweaking industrial and tourism policies to attract investment is a necessary step. J&K’s natural beauty is unparalleled, but tourism alone cannot sustain its economy. Industry, and entrepreneurship need to be nurtured. Jobs must be created for the youth so they feel invested in the region’s future. The government’s role should not just be maintaining order but enabling opportunity.
Omar’s meeting with Shah is an attempt to find common ground. The Centre holds the cards, but it must recognize that political legitimacy comes from the people. The issue of statehood cannot be pushed indefinitely into the future. People have spoken through the ballot box, and they expect their voices to matter. Engaging with the public, fostering transparency, and ensuring real governance – not just administrative control – are key to J&K’s future.
And for that, statehood is important. A hybrid governance may have its benefits but it will always lack the uniformity of purpose and the need for accountability that come with an elected government.
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