Ranbir Singh Pathania
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…”
Charles Dickens’ timeless line captures the evolving journey of Jammu and Kashmir-a region once caught in the throes of manipulation, now emerging into a phase of strategic clarity and people-centric governance.
As Bharat mourns the martyrs of Pahalgam, the nation simultaneously celebrates the decisive advances under Operation Sindoor. Yet, at this critical juncture, some political actors have chosen to weep crocodile tears-not from conviction, but to revive narratives that the people have long rejected.
Let us not forget-these very individuals, while in power, converted security policy into political capital, allowed separatist sympathizers to infiltrate public institutions, and presided over a regime where corruption, nepotism, and state-sponsored compromise flourished. Their sudden anguish now rings hollow, coming not from sincerity but desperation.
The Union Territory Phase: Not a Pause, But a Purpose
The reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir on 5th August 2019 and its transition into Union Territory status was neither disempowerment nor suppression. It was a strategic correction-an urgently needed reset after decades of dynastic misrule, administrative decay, and anti-national appeasement.
And the numbers speak for themselves:
* 70% drop in terror incidents.
* Complete disappearance of hartals, stone-pelting, and separatist calendars.
* 28,400 crore industrial investment-the largest ever in J&K’s history.
* 50,000 government jobs through transparent recruitment.
* Over 1 lakh youth empowered through self-employment; 1.2 lakh linked under Mission Youth.
* Massive infrastructure push-?10,000 crore worth of road and rail projects post-Modi’s Reasi visit.
These outcomes underscore a new era of governance, not a hiatus in democracy.
Omar Abdullah’s Antics: Entitlement Masquerading as Statesmanship
The latest political stunt by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, offering to resign if statehood is not restored, lacks both legal merit and logical coherence. One fails to find any constitutional link between the two. Ironically, he holds office In an Assembly constituted under the very Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act-a law he now seeks to delegitimize.
Such posturing reflects entitlement, not leadership. Statehood is not a bargaining chip. It is a constitutional milestone, not a personal trophy.
Let us recall what that statehood had come to mean-rigged recruitments, cronyism, corruption in contracts, and security compromised for vote banks. That era cannot be allowed to return unchecked.
The UT Era: From Chaos to Confidence
The post-2019 phase has seen restored confidence among people, revitalised grassroots democracy, and a merit-based administrative culture beginning to take shape.
* No hartals.
* No calls from separatist quarters.
* Tourist arrivals have hit historic highs, and global investors are finally looking at J&K with optimism.
This is not stagnation. This is progress with accountability.
Statehood: A Constitutional Commitment, Not a Political Lollipop
The Union Government has repeatedly committed to restoring statehood-from the Red Fort to the floor of Parliament. But it must come after ensuring stability, security, and institutional maturity.
It will not be returned at the whim of political actors who believe that their personal convenience is above public interest.
Bureaucrats, Too, Must Be Accountable
This is also a message to some in the bureaucracy who seem to think this transition gives them a free pass. Accountability does not end with elected representatives.
To borrow a phrase: Caesar’s wife must be above suspicion. So must be the conduct of those entrusted with administering this phase of transformation. No one is beyond scrutiny-not in today’s Jammu and Kashmir.
The Real Enemy: Manufactured Victimhood and Political Grandstanding
At a time when the people are demanding better roads, jobs, healthcare, and dignity, certain leaders are resurrecting the old, tired playbook: “Delhi versus Kashmir,” selective victimhood, and imaginary repression.
These narratives may suit a prime debate, but they no longer resonate with the people. They are insults to the aspirations of a new J&K-one that seeks empowerment over appeasement, and progress over posturing.
Towards a Defining Tomorrow
Jammu and Kashmir today stands at the confluence of two eras-one defined by dynastic monopoly and political hallucinations, and the other by inclusive governance, national integration, and democratic renewal.
Statehood shall return, but with dignity, and as a recognition of the people’s endurance-not as an indulgence to political blackmail.
This is a moment to rise above grief, rise above gimmickry, and reaffirm our shared belief in a secure, vibrant, and fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir-one aligned with the spirit and soul of Bharat.
Its future will not be written with slogans. It will be written with sweat, service, and sincerity.
(The columnist practices law at the J & K, High Court of Judicature, and is member of J&K Legislative Assembly.)
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