Adv Shahid Ul Islam
In the current political discourse of Jammu & Kashmir, the slogan of “statehood” has once again become a recurring theme. Press conferences are being held. Statements are being issued. Emotional narratives are being revived. But amid all this noise, one fundamental question remains unanswered:
Is the demand for statehood truly coming from the people? If we honestly observe the ground situation, there is no visible mass movement. There are no large-scale peaceful protests. There is no spontaneous uprising from villages, towns, or cities demanding immediate restoration of statehood. The common citizen is not on the streets shouting slogans. Instead, he is focused on earning daily bread, educating his children, building a home, or securing employment.
The silence of the streets speaks louder than political speeches.
Looking Back: What Did Full Statehood Deliver?
For decades, Jammu & Kashmir enjoyed full statehood along with the special constitutional provisions under Article 370 and 35A. During that period, several political parties ruled at different times, claiming to be the true representatives of the people.
But let us ask with sincerity: Did unemployment vanish? Did corruption end?
Did nepotism disappear? Did governance become transparent and people centric?
Did rural and remote areas receive consistent development?
The truth is that while power rotated among a few political families and parties, the ground realities for ordinary citizens changed very little. Infrastructure gaps remained. Youth struggled for jobs. Investment was limited. Corruption allegations frequently surfaced. Since 1947, aspirations of the people were often reduced to electoral mathematics. Emotional issues were highlighted at election time, but long-term structural reforms remained neglected.
The people were promised empowerment. What they often received was political rhetoric.
The Post-2019 Shift: A New Phase
The abrogation of Article 370 and 35A in 2019 marked a historic turning point. It was a moment of intense debate and strong opinions. However, beyond political arguments, one undeniable fact emerged over time the streets gradually stabilized.
No prolonged shutdowns. No routine cycles of mass unrest.No continuous atmosphere of confrontation. The ordinary citizen began experiencing uninterrupted days and nights without fear of sudden calls for strikes or violent disruptions.
Under the leadership of Manoj Sinha, the administration focused on governance, infrastructure, grassroots democracy, and investment. Panchayati Raj institutions were strengthened. Development projects gained momentum. Roads, highways, tunnels, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions saw accelerated attention. Tourism witnessed revival. Entrepreneurship initiatives began expanding.
Most importantly, a sense of administrative accountability became more visible. Governance became more centralized, structured, and execution-oriented.
Peace is not merely the absence of noise; it is the presence of stability. And stability is the foundation of development.
Who Benefits from the Statehood Narrative?
If there is no mass agitation from the public, then who is pushing the statehood narrative so aggressively?
It appears that certain political parties, which previously held power, are attempting to regain relevance. For them, statehood is not merely a constitutional arrangement — it is a pathway back to authority, positions, and control over administration. If these parties were deeply concerned about the people, why were unemployment and corruption not eradicated when they had full authority? Why were structural reforms not fully implemented? Why did development remain uneven?
The people today are politically more aware. They observe. They compare. They evaluate.
They understand the difference between slogans and service delivery.
What Do the People Actually Want?
The people of Jammu & Kashmir want:
Sustainable peace,Employment opportunities,Transparent governance
Accountability in public institutions
Educational and healthcare improvements
Investment and industrial growth,Equal opportunities for youth
They do not want a return to cycles of instability. They do not want streets once again dominated by uncertainty. They do not want development derailed by political confrontation.The youth of Kashmir today aspire for startups, competitive exams, professional careers, and global exposure not shutdown calendars.
Recognizing Administrative Stability
Under the administration led by Manoj Sinha, governance has prioritized development-driven policies. Infrastructure projects have moved at a visible pace. Transparency measures have improved administrative functioning. The region has witnessed increased central investment and focused development schemes. While challenges still exist as they do in every region the direction has shifted toward stability and structured governance. Every corner of the region increasingly speaks about roads being built, institutions upgraded, tourism expanding, and public services becoming more accessible. Peaceful nights and uninterrupted days have become more common than in previous decades.
That itself is a transformation.
Statehood: A Constitutional Matter, Not a Political Tool ,Statehood is a constitutional and administrative arrangement. It should be discussed in terms of governance efficiency and long-term institutional stability not as a political slogan for emotional mobilization.
If and when statehood is restored, it must come through a mature, stable, and development-oriented framework not through pressure politics or emotional narratives.The people deserve responsible leadership, not recycled rhetoric.
The Real Voice of the People
The real voice of the public today is not demanding chaos.
It is not calling for unrest.It is not asking for political theatrics.It is asking for peace.It is asking for opportunity.
It is asking for dignity and development.
The future of Jammu & Kashmir lies not in divisive slogans but in sustained progress, stable governance, and collective responsibility. And as long as peace and development continue to strengthen under stable administrative leadership, the silent majority will prioritize progress over politics.
Adv Shahid Ul Islam is Social activist from Anantnag Kashmir & also an author.
