As the Monsoon Session of Parliament convenes in New Delhi, a pivotal question echoes across the Pir Panjal and reverberates through the corridors of power: Will this be the session that finally restores full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir?
The answer must be a resounding yes — not merely as a political gesture, but as a democratic and constitutional duty long overdue.
A Promise Made, A Verdict Delivered
In December 2023, the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India issued a decisive directive: conduct Assembly elections in Jammu & Kashmir before September 2024. The constitutional machinery responded, and the people of the region, despite years of disenfranchisement and central rule, came out in large numbers to vote — reaffirming their faith in the Indian democratic process.
The electoral verdict culminated on 11 October 2024, when Mr. Omar Abdullah took oath as the Chief Minister, forming a popular government in the Union Territory. The event wasn’t just the restoration of an elected executive — it was the rekindling of a people’s voice.
The Case for Statehood: Beyond Politics
Today, Jammu & Kashmir finds itself in a paradox. It has a government elected by the people, yet shackled by the limited powers of a Union Territory. How can a leadership claim to represent the people fully, if it cannot legislate fully? How can a Chief Minister truly serve his people, if administrative control remains diluted?
For democracy to thrive, symbolism must translate into sovereignty — and that means full statehood.
The Centre’s Word Must Become Law
Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have, on multiple occasions — in Parliament and in public — assured the people of J&K that statehood will be restored. They called the Union Territory status a “temporary arrangement,” required under special circumstances.
Well, those circumstances have changed.
- Peaceful elections have been held.
- Militancy is at a record low.
- Development projects are underway.
- Youth engagement, investment flows, and civil society participation are on the rise.
If not now, when?
This Is Not a Favor — It’s a Constitutional Imperative
Let’s be unequivocal: restoring statehood to Jammu & Kashmir is not a political concession. It is a matter of constitutional justice. The people of the region have long demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the idea of India — even when they felt alienated and marginalised.
It is time the Republic of India reciprocates that loyalty — not just with words, but with legislative action.
A Litmus Test for New India
The Monsoon Session of Parliament is an opportunity for the ruling dispensation to walk its talk — to demonstrate that national integration does not mean central domination, but cooperative federalism. To show that the idea of ‘One India’ includes equal rights, equal dignity, and equal democratic voice for all states — including Jammu & Kashmir.
From Kamalkot to Lakhanpur, the message is loud and clear:
We want our statehood back. Not tomorrow, not someday — now.
Let History Record This Moment
Let this session of Parliament not be remembered for missed chances or political calculations. Let it be etched in history as the turning point — when New Delhi chose unity over unilateralism, responsibility over rhetoric, and nationhood over narrow politics.
Because in the end, justice delayed is democracy denied — and the people of Jammu & Kashmir have waited long enough.
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