Mushtaq Bala
With these words, Omar Abdullah captures the political mood of the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the post-Article 370 era — a sentiment that is not merely nostalgic but resolute, forward-looking, and firmly anchored in democratic aspirations. In the current political landscape, where narratives are often shaped to suit fleeting nationalistic fervour, Omar Abdullah’s articulation comes as a balanced, reasoned, and deeply personal response to the trials the region has endured.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the state in August 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has experienced unprecedented changes — not just administratively, but emotionally and culturally. What was once a state with a special constitutional identity has been reduced to a Union Territory under central control, stripping away not only political autonomy but also a sense of collective dignity that had long been the cornerstone of the region’s complex identity.
For many residents, the past six to seven years have been marked by alienation, silence, and an overwhelming feeling of being governed rather than represented. The dissolution of the Legislative Assembly, the absence of an elected government, and the erosion of safeguards that once protected jobs, land rights, and cultural identity have left deep scars on the collective psyche of the people.
It is against this backdrop that Omar Abdullah’s return to power — backed by a resounding electoral mandate — carries immense significance. As a seasoned political leader with deep grassroots connections and an unwavering commitment to democratic processes, Omar brings to the table not just experience but empathy. He understands that the emotional and constitutional blows dealt to the people cannot be undone with mere gestures; they require systemic correction and meaningful political action.
Omar Abdullah’s demand for the restoration of statehood is not a call for privilege but for parity — a demand to restore what was unjustly taken. It is a foundational necessity, the first step in a broader process of reclamation — of identity, of self-respect, and of self-governance. He has repeatedly made it clear that while the restoration of statehood is essential, it is not the final goal. Rather, it is the first platform upon which the people of Jammu and Kashmir can begin to rebuild their lives, their institutions, and their future.
In the corridors of New Delhi, the conversation around Jammu and Kashmir often swings between security and symbolism. Omar Abdullah, however, speaks the language of substance. He knows that real empowerment does not come from tokenism or tightly controlled administrative regimes. It comes from the restoration of legislative power, the re-establishment of democratic accountability, and the revival of local institutions that reflect the voice and will of the people.
By placing statehood at the center of the political discourse, Omar is not just reviving an old demand — he is reframing it as a necessary constitutional correction. He is also presenting a challenge to the powers that be: if democracy is truly a national value, then its full restoration in Jammu and Kashmir should be non-negotiable. The people must be trusted to govern themselves, to legislate for their needs, and to chart their own developmental course.
Importantly, Omar Abdullah’s stance does not stem from confrontation but from conviction. He has never shied away from engaging in dialogue, from working within the constitutional framework, or from taking difficult decisions when required. His leadership style reflects maturity and restraint — qualities that are urgently needed in today’s polarized political climate.
Critics may accuse him of being too cautious or too conventional, but what they overlook is his clarity of purpose. Omar is playing the long game. He is investing in the political education of the people, reigniting the idea of participatory democracy, and reasserting the principles of federalism. In doing so, he is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and empowered Jammu and Kashmir.
The roadmap ahead is neither simple nor free from challenges. But the people have placed their trust in a leadership that speaks their language, understands their wounds, and is committed to their aspirations. The restoration of statehood is only the beginning. Beyond that lies the larger vision of constitutional rights, cultural preservation, youth participation, and regional development.
Omar Abdullah’s message is not just directed at the central government — it is a message to his own people as well. It is a call to believe again, to participate again, and to reclaim what rightfully belongs to them: the power to decide their own destiny.
As he continues to advocate for a phased and responsible restoration of rights, Omar Abdullah is setting the tone for a new era of politics in Jammu and Kashmir — one that is rooted in dialogue, dignity, and determination. The journey is long, but with statehood as the first milestone, the path toward a more just and democratic future is slowly beginning to unfold.
In the end, his words serve as both a reminder and a promise: “Statehood is not our final goal, but rather a necessary step towards reclaiming what the people have lost over the past six to seven years.”
It is a sentiment that resonates across valleys and cities, hearts and homes — a call for justice that cannot, and should not, be ignored
Mushtaq Bala ,a filmmaker and Editor In-Chief of Kashmir pen, can be reached at mushtaqabala@gmail.com
