Political tensions rise as J&K leaders demand statehood
More than nine months after Jammu and Kashmir elected its first government since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, the demand for the restoration of full statehood is growing louder — both within the Union Territory and beyond.
Last week, the Congress party, which is the alliance partner of the National Conference (NC) in J&K, took to the streets demanding that Jammu and Kashmir be granted full statehood. A protest march in Srinagar led by Congress leaders was foiled by police, while a demonstration was also held in New Delhi on July 22 to press for the same demand.
Prior to these protests, Congress leaders had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging the introduction of legislation to restore statehood. Addressing the media in Delhi, they argued that under the current dual power structure, the real authority lies with the unelected administration.
On the ground in J&K, the NC-led government is reportedly feeling the constraints of this dual structure. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah is finding it increasingly difficult to function effectively under a system where the Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Manoj Sinha, retains significant control over administrative matters.
Despite the NC’s sweeping victory in the elections and its high-pitched campaign promises, the party is facing challenges in governance. Key administrative decisions — including the transfer of certain JKAS officers — continue to be made directly by the Raj Bhavan, bypassing the elected government.
Privately, NC leaders admit that the absence of full statehood and the limited powers of the elected government are affecting their performance. “If this setup continues, and the elected government remains unable to take major policy decisions, it will anger voters who came out in large numbers last year. This will have political consequences,” said a senior NC leader. “Statehood must be restored now.”
The party had initially placed its trust in the assurances made by Prime Minister Modi and other central leaders that statehood would be restored at an “appropriate time.” But increasingly, Valley-based leaders are questioning the delay and asserting that the time for restoration has arrived.
Legislators on the ground are also struggling to make their presence felt. “Many MLAs are now present even during blacktopping of roads just to show they’re doing some work,” said a legislator, highlighting the diminished role of elected representatives.
Meanwhile, L-G Manoj Sinha remains highly visible — distributing appointment letters, launching welfare schemes, and maintaining a strong public presence — often overshadowing the elected government.
The growing tension between the Raj Bhavan and the UT government is reportedly prompting Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to reconsider his approach. Known for his non-confrontational style, Abdullah appears to be exploring new strategies.
On July 13, the entire NC leadership was allegedly placed under house arrest by police, which is under the L-G’s control, to prevent them from visiting the Martyrs’ Graveyard in Srinagar’s Old City. The next day, Omar Abdullah confronted policemen, walked on foot, and even scaled a wall to reach the graveyard and pay his respects. “I didn’t complain for eight months. I tolerated it silently,” he later said.
With tensions mounting and patience running thin, the ruling party may now be preparing to adopt a more assertive stance — possibly even confronting the Raj Bhavan — a glimpse of which was seen on July 14.
J & K