August 5, 2026; Seventh anniversary of the dilution of Article 370 leading to divesting Jammu and Kashmir of statehood and dividing it into two Union Territories (UTs). It was an unprecedented and unmatched act in the over 70 year history of Indian Republic. And the solemn assurance of the Union Government and ruling BJP to restore statehood at an appropriate time, made on different fora including Parliament and Supreme Court of India, still waiting to be fructified. 

There could have been no better occasion/opportunity for Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi to fulfill this solemn assurance than the day of seventh anniversary. It would have better suited with the grand-standing style of the current ruling dispensation wherein dates and symbols play a great role. The solemn assurance “Statehood would be restored to Jammu and Kashmir at an appropriate time” is lurking in the air. Time and again questions regarding definition of “appropriate time” asked on the floors of the two Houses of Parliament and outside, have been deflected by the powers that be by hiding under the cover of “security”. The ambiguity of “appropriate time-scale” has upped the index of dissatisfaction than satisfying curiosity particularly of people of Jammu and Kashmir who are the direct beneficiaries/sufferers- depending on the prism used to view. 

The solemnity of the assurance is getting diluted every day with the Government not even ready to discuss it. There would have been no problem at all had this assurance not been given, with an intent to stick to the UT model. Then there would have been no need to restore and hold assembly elections to provide a lame duck democratic system two years back. The resultant dual........

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