Image Source: TRIBUNE

The amendment to the domicile policy for J&K around midnight on Friday underlined two points – changing attitude of Delhi to a limited extent toward the sensitivities and the sensibilities of people, and laying out new paradigm in Kashmir politics. Delhi stands at the core of the whole narrative in which the thrust on unyielding integration of Kashmir in the post August 5, 2019, era is a must. Those appearing to understand it better, stand to gain. Anyone, even with a remote understanding of the post August 5, 2019, situation in Kashmir, knows that the anatomy of J&K has changed forever. If Delhi had to restore all special rights and privileges of the people of J&K, then August 5 would not have happened at all. So, now all decisions are with Delhi and the amendment that has opened greater job opportunities for the “domicile” should take it as a step that could become a springboard for the early restoration of the statehood to J&K. It can be an opportunity. It all depends on the understanding of the political leadership of Kashmir. This moment can be utilised to make the Centre to deliver on other promises vis-à-vis J&K if all political groups share the same platform, and for that, it is important that they recognise the reality of the changed times and work accordingly. This is a time to tap wisdom and not emotions. This inevitably invokes the question on what is achievable and what is not. Given the composition of the Central government and the mood of the rest of the nation that stands by it wholeheartedly, those talking of the return of the pre-August 5 era in toto are being unrealistic, to say the least. Statehood is achievable. First, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have promised that. They are committed to that. It was depending on the stabilisation of the situation in J&K. The state-turned-UT is being ruled by Delhi, and, therefore, the whole responsibility of bringing the situation to normal lies with Delhi. Of course, the response of the people is also important. And, as far people are concerned, they have behaved in the most mature fashion, disregarding the provocations that came from various quarters. In these times when the whole world is fighting virus, Assembly elections may not be possible immediately, but, hopefully, things will improve and the groundwork can be laid for restarting the democratic exercise. This is a must. And, if any example is needed how democratic institutions help combat the virus effectively, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation is one of them. The statehood should be restored. It will instil confidence among people and the political leaders to work in these critical times. It will be a step in the right direction.