GS-2Editorials05 August 2026thehindu.com

Jammu and Kashmir — the elusive quest for Statehood

The article analyzes the seven-year period since the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status (Article 370) and its loss of Statehood, arguing that these actions, taken without declared emergency or consultation, represent a violation of constitutional principles. It highlights the continued violence, economic decline, and heavy-handed security response in the region, with the Lieutenant-Governor holding significant power over an elected administration. The author advocates for the restoration of Statehood as a means to re-establish accountability and democratic governance.

The article analyzes the seven-year period since the abrogation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status (Article 370) and its loss of Statehood, arguing that these actions, taken without declared emergency or consultation, represent a violation of constitutional principles. It highlights the continued violence, economic decline, and heavy-handed security response in the region, with the Lieutenant-Governor holding significant power over an elected administration. The author advocates for the restoration of Statehood as a means to re-establish accountability and democratic governance.

Exam linkage

GS Paper II: Indian Polity, Constitution, Governance, Federalism, Centre-State Relations.

Syllabus mapping

Indian Polity & GovernanceConstitutional Amendments & StructureFederal Structure & Centre-State RelationsIndian ConstitutionFederal StructureParliament LegislaturesExecutive Judiciary Pressure GroupsGovernment Policies Interventions

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