Sunday Editorial by Mushtaq Bala
October 4, 2026
Jammu and Kashmir has just passed through another week that reminded us of the complexity of the moment we are living through.
Politics dominated much of the public discourse, with the Legislative Assembly witnessing a vigorous debate over the restoration of statehood. The disagreement between the treasury and opposition benches also exposed once again how differently political parties view the constitutional journey of Jammu and Kashmir since 2019. (The Indian Express)
But beneath the political arguments lies a much more fundamental question: what does the ordinary citizen expect from the return of an elected government?
The answer should be neither complicated nor ideological. People want accountable administration, employment, better roads and public services, a vibrant economy, opportunities for young people and, above all, institutions that listen.
Statehood is undoubtedly an important political aspiration. But restoration of political status must ultimately translate into restoration of public confidence. Democracy is strengthened not merely by resolutions passed in an Assembly, but by institutions that deliver.
This week also brought another important debate—the proposed new media policy for Jammu and Kashmir.
The government has indicated that guidelines are being prepared to address the rapidly expanding world of social-media journalism and digital news platforms. The concern about misinformation, plagiarism and irresponsible journalism is legitimate. But regulation of the media must never become a substitute for accountability within government itself. (Kashmir Images – Latest News Update)
A healthy democracy needs responsible journalism, but it equally needs an environment in which journalists can question those in power without fear.
The distinction between regulation and restriction is therefore crucial.
The best media policy would be one that encourages registration, transparency, professional standards and accountability while protecting legitimate criticism and freedom of expression. The digital age has changed journalism forever; the answer cannot be to turn the clock back, but to create rules that recognise the realities of the new media landscape.
Another encouraging development of the week came from the world of education, science and innovation.
The J&K Science Congress 2026 at the Islamic University of Science and Technology brought together researchers, policymakers, innovators and academics around the theme of science, innovation and emerging technologies for a sustainable and developed Jammu and Kashmir. (J&K Science Congress 2026)
This is precisely the direction in which our discourse needs to move.
Our young people cannot be offered politics alone. They need laboratories, start-ups, skill development, creative industries, tourism opportunities and meaningful employment.
And this brings us to perhaps one of the most important conversations for Kashmir’s future: tourism must evolve from seasonal visitation to sustainable economic development.
Kashmir possesses something that cannot be manufactured elsewhere—its landscape, heritage, crafts, literature, music, cuisine and centuries-old culture. But these assets must be treated not merely as attractions for visitors, but as economic resources capable of sustaining local communities.
The discussions around sustainable tourism are therefore timely. Tourism planning must protect the environment while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs, artisans, transporters, guides, artists, filmmakers and young professionals.
We must also recognise the enormous potential of cinema and culture.
The success of the recent International Film Festival of Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated that Kashmir can once again become a meeting place for filmmakers, audiences and creative professionals. The Chief Minister’s observation that Kashmir was once a preferred destination for film shoots carries a larger message: the region can use cinema not only for tourism promotion but also for employment and cultural diplomacy. (The Indian Express)
The challenge now is continuity.
A festival should not remain a four-day celebration. A science congress should not end with the closing ceremony. A tourism roadmap should not remain a document. A media policy should not become merely another set of restrictions. And a political resolution should not be the final destination.
The real test begins after the announcement.
Jammu and Kashmir has no shortage of talent, ideas or potential. What it has often lacked is continuity—turning good ideas into sustained institutions and announcements into measurable outcomes.
The coming months should therefore be about implementation.
Let the Assembly continue its democratic debates. Let the government formulate sensible policies. Let universities generate ideas. Let the media question authority. Let filmmakers tell our stories. Let tourism planners protect our environment. Let young people participate in building the future.
But above all, let every institution be judged by what it delivers.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir have heard enough promises over the decades.
Now they deserve performance.
That, ultimately, is the real meaning of accountable governance—and perhaps the most important agenda for the week ahead.
— Mushtaq Bala
Editor-in-Chief, Kashmir Pen
