Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed strong reservations about the claims of normalcy in the Union Territory following the abrogation of Article 370. Speaking at a media event in Delhi, Abdullah stated that the current situation in Kashmir is not organic but imposed through fear. He pointed out that while the government insists that peace and stability have improved since the revocation of special status, the actions taken by authorities suggest otherwise.One of the examples Abdullah highlighted was the closure of Jamia Masjid in Srinagar on the occasion of Shab-e-Baraat, a significant religious event for Muslims. He argued that if the peace in Kashmir was truly organic, such restrictions would not have been necessary. According to him, normalcy that is maintained through the heavy presence of security forces and government-imposed measures cannot be considered genuine.
 

He further emphasized that fear-driven governance can only last for a limited time, stating that both the security forces and the public do not believe in the sustainability of this so-called normalcy. The former chief minister referenced the past unrest in 2010, during which over 200 youths lost their lives in protests, and questioned whether the current situation is truly different or merely a temporary phase created by force.Since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Centre has frequently claimed that the move has reduced shutdowns, militant activity, and separatist movements. However, Abdullah challenged this assertion by citing an incident where authorities denied permission to Hurriyat chairperson Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to lead the funeral prayers of his father-in-law at the historic Jama Masjid in Srinagar.He argued that if the government believed the security situation was stable, there would have been no need for such restrictions. According to Abdullah, a law-and-order crisis does not arise when peace is genuine; instead, it emerges when people feel suppressed. The measures being taken in Kashmir, in his view, reflect a strategy aimed at controlling the region rather than fostering a natural state of normalcy.
 

Governance and Statehood Concerns in Jammu and Kashmir

Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood on October 31, 2019, and was reorganized into a Union Territory. This shift granted the Lieutenant Governor greater control over governance, reducing the influence of locally elected representatives. Abdullah addressed this transformation, highlighting concerns that the new governance model may not be effective in handling law and order. He warned that any attempt to govern J&K without involving its people in decision-making would be met with challenges in the long run.He further remarked that running the Union Territory through centralized administration, where the role of elected officials in security-related matters is limited, will eventually face resistance. He suggested that the government must engage with the local population and ensure their participation in governance rather than relying on enforced measures to maintain control.
 

Abdullah’s recent statements also mark a shift in his political stance. Over the past few months, he had appeared to adopt a more conciliatory tone towards the Narendra Modi-led government. However, his latest remarks indicate renewed skepticism about the changes implemented after Article 370’s abrogation.Despite making a pre-election promise to fight for the restoration of J&K’s special status, Abdullah has recently tempered his position. He has acknowledged that expecting the Centre to reverse its decision on Article 370 would be unrealistic. His current focus appears to be on highlighting the governance and security challenges in the region rather than actively pushing for a return to the pre-2019 status.The debate surrounding the post-Article 370 scenario in Jammu and Kashmir continues to be a significant topic of political and public discourse. While the government maintains that the region is on a path toward greater stability and development, opposition leaders like Omar Abdullah argue that the reality on the ground is far more complex. The coming months will likely see further discussions and potential political shifts as J&K prepares for its next phase of governance.