Kiren Rijiju Reaffirmation about Centre’s Commitment to Restore Statehood to Jammu & Kashmir

—Samba Times Special

Srinagar, Feb 15 – Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Saturday reiterated the Central Government’s commitment to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, a promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. However, Rijiju refrained from providing a specific timeline for when this restoration would take place.

Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Rijiju said,

“The Prime Minister and the Home Minister have made it clear that in due course, Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood will be restored, and the powers will be clearly demarcated.”

While emphasizing the government’s intent, he avoided speculating on when the transition from a Union Territory (UT) back to statehood would occur.

Political Stakes and Public Sentiment

The revocation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories in August 2019 remains one of the most contentious political decisions in recent Indian history. For many residents of Jammu and Kashmir, the loss of statehood symbolized a diminished sense of pride for being the part of J&K state which was established by Maharaja Gulab Singh, fueling concerns over identity, governance, and representation.

Political parties across the spectrum – from the National Conference (NC) and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Congress – have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood. The BJP, on the other hand, has positioned the move as a bold step toward national integration and development also focusing on the promises of PM Modi & Amit Shah for its earliest restoration.

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has repeatedly argued that statehood is a basic right that must be returned to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, Mehbooba Mufti of the PDP has accused the government of disempowering the region and warned that the delay in restoring statehood fosters alienation.

Why Was Statehood Revoked?

The Central Government justified the abrogation of Article 370 and the removal of statehood by citing several reasons:

1. National Security: The government argued that special status had fueled separatism and cross-border terrorism, and that full integration would enable better control over security concerns. It is pertinent to mention here that Kashmir was on bloodshed and hotspot of terrorism and the ground of stonepelting but after the revocation it all was halted and recent assembly elections show that how the kashmiri voted in favor of peace and now the Kashmir is brimming with development and peace
2. Development Agenda: The BJP claimed that the special status had hindered economic development and the removal would open Jammu and Kashmir to investment and infrastructure growth.
3. Uniformity in Law: The move allowed Indian laws to be applied uniformly across Jammu and Kashmir, including social welfare and anti-corruption measures.

However, some critics view the decision as undemocratic, arguing it was taken without consulting the people of Jammu and Kashmir or their elected representatives.

The Political Tug-of-War

The delay in restoring statehood has fueled a political battle with every major party trying to claim credit or frame the narrative in their favor:

• BJP’s Stand: The BJP continues to highlight development gains since the abrogation while maintaining that statehood will be restored once the region achieves stability.
• Opposition’s Argument: Opposition parties, while demanding immediate statehood, frame the delay as political manipulation to weaken local democracy and regional voices.

Rijiju’s comments affirm the Centre’s stance but also suggest that the timeline remains undefined, leaving room for continued debate and speculation.

Pros and Cons of Restoring Statehood

Potential Benefits:

1. Political Representation: Restoration would mean a democratically elected government with full powers over local governance (As it is not now as alleged by Omar Abdullah led NC Govt) ensuring people’s voices are heard.
2. Public Sentiment: It could ease tensions and address long-standing grievances, fostering a sense of inclusiveness.
3. Judicial and Administrative Clarity: Clear division of powers between the Lieutenant Governor and the elected Chief Minister would improve governance.
4. International Image: Restoring statehood may improve India’s global image, countering narratives of democratic backsliding.

Challenges:

1. Security Concerns: The government argues that a hasty restoration might complicate security operations in the region & the horrible serpent of terrorism may raise its head again.
2. Political Instability: There is fear that returning statehood could reignite political turmoil and regional polarization.
3. Implementation Complexities: Dividing powers between the Lieutenant Governor and elected representatives would require careful legal framing.
4. Strategic Control: The Union Territory status allows the Central Government direct control, which may be compromised with statehood.

Future Outlook

The Centre’s position suggests that statehood will eventually return, but the timing remains uncertain.

With general elections approaching in 2026, the BJP may frame the restoration promise as a campaign narrative, while opposition parties will continue to pressurize the government to act swiftly.

For the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the restoration of statehood remains a deeply emotional and political issue. Until it is resolved, the debate over identity, represntation, and governance is likely to remain at the forefront of the region’s political discourse.

Rahul Sambyal ✍️

Executive Editor

Samba Times