Maj Gen Sanjeev Dogra (Retd)
“I have been demoted to the Chief Minister of a Union Territory,” stated Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during a recent public event in Reasi, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express to Katra. His tone was restrained, but his message resonated widely-capturing a growing sentiment across Jammu & Kashmir. He added that the day is not far when statehood will be restored, hopefully under the current government’s leadership. This was more than political messaging; it reflected an aspiration shared by many across the Union Territory-a desire for local empowerment, constitutional dignity, and long-term stability.
Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu & Kashmir has undergone major political transformation. The transition to Union Territory status brought the region under tighter central administrative control, particularly in matters of law and order. In recent years, democratic processes have returned with the election of a popular government, yet critical powers remain with the Centre. This has contributed to a sense of emotional and functional distance among many citizens, who now seek a greater say in shaping their own future.
The demand for statehood has gained urgency after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which killed 26 civilians. India responded decisively through Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps across the Line of Control. While the operation reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to national security, it also brought a wave of retaliatory shelling across vulnerable border districts like Poonch, Rajouri, Baramulla, and Uri-causing civilian displacement and hardship. Such incidents illustrate why Jammu & Kashmir remains one of the country’s most sensitive regions, requiring both robust security and responsive governance.
The Centre’s hesitation in restoring statehood stems from concerns rooted in this sensitivity. Decades of militancy, cross-border interference, and fluctuating political loyalties have fostered a cautious approach. The Centre’s focus is on ensuring peace, institutional discipline, and national integration before devolving full administrative control. It is not an outright rejection of J&K’s democratic aspirations, but a need for reassurance-a sense that the region is firmly on the path of responsible governance and civic maturity.
In this context, the role of the people becomes not just relevant but pivotal. The restoration of statehood will depend as much on political decisions as it will on the environment created by the citizens themselves. The question is not one of protest or pressure-it is about the quiet strength of public responsibility. Through everyday conduct, civic participation, and shared commitment to peace, the people of Jammu & Kashmir can create the conditions that make statehood both logical and viable.
It begins with active engagement in grassroots democracy. When panchayats, municipal bodies, and local councils are empowered by informed and responsible citizens, it sends a clear message of democratic readiness. Elections are important, but what follows-the delivery of services, transparency in administration, and accountability-is even more telling. When local institutions function well, the argument for devolving more power gains strength.
Rejecting extremism in all forms is equally crucial. Civil society leaders, educators, religious voices, and community elders must guide the discourse away from polarisation and towards shared values. The damage caused by terrorism and separatism has been immense. Now is the time to reinforce moderation, dialogue, and pluralism as the guiding norms of public life.
Security and development must be seen as complementary goals. The people can contribute meaningfully by supporting law enforcement, maintaining community peace, and acting as guardians of social harmony. Initiatives like village defence committees and border community outreach show that when citizens stand with the nation, reassurance replaces suspicion.
The people must also expect more from their elected representatives. The demand for statehood must be tied to a demand for good governance. Citizens should hold their leaders accountable not just for promises, but for performance. Clean, development-focused leadership will make the case for statehood far more convincing than rhetoric alone.
Equally vital is the need to share the story of progress. Jammu & Kashmir has made considerable strides in infrastructure, tourism, education, and public service delivery in recent years. These successes are not minor-they are indicators of a society healing and rebuilding. Communicating these achievements through civil discourse, media, and national platforms will strengthen the argument that the region is capable of handling full state responsibilities.
Constructive advocacy matters. Instead of agitations, citizens and professionals can participate in policy discussions, contribute to research papers, and engage with parliamentary committees and think tanks. Articulating the case for statehood in informed, strategic terms-based on development, stability, and rights-helps position it as a shared national goal.
At the same time, the Centre too has a role to play. Trust-building is a two-way process. Continued investment in development, open engagement with local leaders, and clarity on timelines and benchmarks for reviewing statehood can turn abstract hope into structured reassurance. The people must feel that their efforts and conduct are being seen, valued, and factored into national decision-making.
Ultimately, the restoration of statehood is not just a political event-it is a culmination of mutual trust. It should not be viewed as a concession to be granted, but as a partnership to be renewed. For that to happen, the people of J&K must take the lead-not with agitation, but with action; not with emotion, but with example.
Jammu & Kashmir has always held a unique place in India’s national identity. Its future, too, must reflect a blend of resilience, responsibility, and resolve. If its people can embody these values in daily life, the restoration of statehood will follow naturally-not as a gift, but as an earned affirmation of collective maturity and nationhood.
(The author is a retired army officer from Jammu and an expert in Operations Research and Systems Analysis)
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