End Statehood Ambiguity

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah's statement that he is open to the dissolution of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly once statehood is restored is a welcome political signal.

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At a time when public discourse on J&K is mostly dominated by security narratives, such a commitment, however conditional, shifts attention back to the core democratic demand of the region: restoration of statehood.

The chief minister's remarks come against the backdrop of media reports suggesting that the restoration of statehood may entail fresh Assembly elections. Omar's response seeks to address the notion that he is a barrier to democratic restoration. His rebuttal: "Let them dissolve the Assembly the day statehood is restored, we will recommend it ourselves," has gone down well with people.