Restoring The Statehood of Kashmir, as directed by the Supreme Court, Hold Elections To J&K Assembly by September 2024

“On one hand, victory; on the other, unrest. The Supreme Court declared the decision to revoke Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir legally valid. However, concerns arise about transforming a fully-fledged state into a centrally administered region, facing restrictions on dignity and opportunities, waiting for the ‘right circumstances’ year after year. The Monday verdict on the Jammu and Kashmir case has caused a stir within the Modi government. The Chief Justice emphasized that Jammu and Kashmir must be restored to the state’s dignity without delay, and by September, there should be arrangements for the formation of a permanent legislative assembly in the region. Since Article 370 was a temporary provision, the power to revoke it lies with the President constitutionally. Even the creation of Ladakh after breaking away from Jammu and Kashmir is not unconstitutional. Ladakh remains a centrally administered region and will continue to be so. However, the question remains: will the full statehood be granted? The Chief Justice stated, ‘Article 370 was a temporary measure due to wartime conditions, making it necessary. Therefore, it was provisional. Hence, the President has the constitutional right to revoke it.’ The government views this part of the court’s decision as a victory because Kashmir was part of the BJP’s electoral agenda. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set this promise at the beginning of the second term. Another vote awaits. Is the lack of a complete resolution in Kashmir contributing to the ongoing unrest? The opposition claims so. Just a few months ago, BJP faced setbacks in local elections in Ladakh. A similar fate is not ruled out for Jammu and Kashmir. Despite Modi and Amit Shah repeatedly asserting that everything has changed, with no more bricks, no more lockdown, and no terrorism, conflicts with militants continue almost daily. Is that another reason for the ongoing turmoil? The opposition insists that it is. Congress is not entirely in agreement with the Supreme Court’s decision. They have reservations about certain aspects of the verdict. They demand immediate elections to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. However, after the Supreme Court’s directive, the center must decide. Although the top court’s decision is seen as a triumph by the ruling party, there is still controversy. The center’s promise was that elections would be held once the situation normalizes. The restoration of statehood to Kashmir is promised. But for almost four years, the ‘better days’ have not arrived in Kashmir. Modi and Amit Shah have repeatedly claimed that everything has changed, but unrest has not disappeared. The Supreme Court’s decision has put pressure on the center. However, the court did not provide a clear opinion on creating two separate centrally administered regions in place of the state. This issue has left us disappointed.