- First and foremost, the recently concluded election to the union territory of Jammu & Kashmir, and Ladakh deserves a special mention about the region’s people for coming out in encouraging numbers and exercising their franchise without fear. We have witnessed how the region was riddled with terrorism-related activities over the years leading to curtailing democratic freedom of expression and voice for the people. However, the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A and the subsequent earmarking of the region as a union territory made it amply clear that the Union Government wanted no doubts to linger as to where the region’s allegiance remains. Since then, the demand for free, fair, and peaceful elections had gathered momentum. It’s addressed now.
PC: Free Press Journal
- Goaded by the Supreme Court, the Union Government and the Election Commission of India undertook a humongous task to ensure the region’s people choose their elected representatives enthusiastically. Now that the new J&K CM of the National Conference has been sworn in, the task of administering the governance in an effective and accepting manner should be the priority of the incumbent. Make no mistake, J&K CM has less power than most counterparts in India. But his job is more crucial than others. Farooq Abdullah described Omar Abdullah taking oath as the first CM of the Union Territory of J&K recently as a crown of thorns. That shows how tricky the new governance environment could be in the post-Article 370 era.
- Notably, J&K’s LG was given enhanced powers in July in matters of law & order, bureaucracy, and appointments. But little will be gained if the new UT government locks horns with LG on routine matters. The last thing J&K needs is a Delhi-like situation that stymies governance. To his credit, Omar has begun on a positive note. He has made overtures to the Centre and even appointed a deputy CM from Jammu. This was after he had refused till July to commit to contesting J&K polls, citing the limited powers of the new UT assembly. Plus, one of the main reasons the NC won the polls is that the people of J&K wanted a party that could work with the Centre while preserving Kashmiriyat and delivering day-to-day governance. This premise should not be lost.
PC: ET Government
- Therefore, Omar, despite his curtailed powers, must find a way to respect the mandate. That said, the restoration of statehood and Article 370 remains a talking point. While statehood is a legitimate demand and was backed by the SC judgment last year, trying to revive Article 370 is of inconsequence. As things stand, restoration of statehood will be contingent upon how smoothly the Centre and UT cooperate. This ought to be Omar’s focus, along with that of the ally Congress. Congress too figures that the new dispensation may face challenges in the new set-up. By sitting out, the party can focus on revitalizing its grassroots structures and keep the statehood banner flying without governance constraints. The onus squarely rests on the Centre and the UT now.
