In the cool autumn breeze of Srinagar, a familiar scene has played out once again: a gentle exchange of words between Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. On 31 October 2025, during the Union Territory Foundation Day event at SKICC, Sinha reminded everyone that waiting for statehood should not become a reason to delay work. He said the elected government already has enough powers to bring progress, and that statehood will come at the right time, as promised by Union Home Minister Amit Shah ji. The next day, while opening a new bridge, Omar softly replied that those giving advice should also follow it, pointing to safety concerns like the sad Pahalgam incident in April 2025 that hurt tourism and peace.
This back-and-forth shows the real challenge: Jammu and Kashmir has been in a waiting period since 2019. The Supreme Court had clearly said in 2023—bring back statehood soon after elections. The people gave a strong message in the 2024 polls; almost every MLA promised statehood. But more than a year later, there is still no clear date. People are tired of uncertainty. Omar ji asks for a timeline so everyone can plan. Sinha ji says work should not stop.
Yes, statehood must come back soon. It will give local leaders more say, build trust, and make governance smoother. Tourism, apples, handicrafts—these give livelihood to lakhs. A full state can help them grow better.
But people do not eat statehood. They need roads, jobs, schools, and safety today. Whether it is Union Territory or full state, daily life must improve. Sinha ji is right: the government in Srinagar can start many projects now bring back Darbar Move, hold more events like Kashmir Marathon, help shawl makers and fruit growers reach markets. Blaming Delhi alone will not fix potholes or create jobs for youth, where one in four is still waiting for work.
This friendly debate should not become a roadblock. Delhi should give a clear date for statehood. Srinagar should show results on the ground. People of Jammu, Kashmir, want both dignity of statehood and delivery of development. No matter the tag, their issues need care, their dreams need wings.
Let words turn into work. Only then will the Valley smile again.
