Resentment over non-restoration of statehood ‘massive, overwhelming’: Civil society group

Resentment over the non-restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood remains “massive and overwhelming” in the Valley, according to a civil society group led by former Union minister Yashwant Sinha. The Concerned Citizens’ Group (CCG), which recently visited Kashmir, highlighted growing alienation and frustration among various sections of society in its latest report.

The four-member team — Yashwant Sinha, Sushobha Barve, Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Kapil Kak and journalist Bharat Bhushan — conducted its eleventh visit to Kashmir from October 28 to 31. During their stay, the members met political leaders, civil society representatives, business groups, educationists and journalists.

According to the group, alienation has “deepened” since its previous visits. “Resentment and anger against the Central government have increased, and some of it is now being directed at the popularly elected Omar Abdullah government,” the report said.

The group noted that different sections of the population were angry for different reasons. “Students were upset over the new reservation policy, which they said had reduced general category seats in higher educational institutions. People also expressed concern over the introduction of electricity meters and the non-restoration of statehood,” the group said.

While militancy remains “at a slow burn”, the group observed that a “churning among youth seems to be motivating them to enter spaces of greater radicalisation, possibly supported by forces across the Line of Control.”

On the political front, the group said the government appears to be “struggling.” “The public is unhappy that the promises made to the electorate are not being fulfilled fast enough,” it said, adding that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah “presides over a powerless government.” According to the report, the CM is unable to take major decisions, adding to the public’s frustration.

“People are resentful that hardly any Kashmiri officers are posted as administrative heads at the districts and are effectively sidelined,” the report said.

Regarding statehood, the report said anger over its non-restoration remains widespread. “We witnessed firsthand the anger, frustration and disillusionment during our interactions with civil society members, trade and industry representatives, businessmen, educationists, media persons and Kashmiri Pandit leaders,” the group said. “While statehood is a major issue in the Valley, the Jammu region too continues to nurse anger over its loss and other issues that have emerged since 2019.”

The group said young people are especially upset about the revised reservation policy. “What seems to have upset them most is the additional 10% reservation given to the Pahari community by the BJP government at the Centre, which they feel cuts into the general category share,” the report said.

The CCG also noted that “despite the UT assembly elections of 2024, there has been no meaningful restoration of media autonomy,” adding that the tourism industry has suffered significantly in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack.