Ranbir Singh Pathania
“Naya Kashmir’ phrase carries a heavy legacy. It was coined by Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, Pied Piper of Kashmir, nearly 80 years ago-a rallying cry for progress and reform- that captivated the imagination of a people longing for change.
Nevertheless, tragic irony remains, decades later, this phrase is being repurposed by his grandchild, Omar Abdullah, to rekindle a hope that has been perpetually deferred rather denied in the annals of history.
Elections are won by words, governance by action, and history by fulfillment.
And in the land of mountains and valleys, promises unfulfilled echo louder than those kept. As we move from 2024 to 2025, let me chart out promises made tall but remaining unfulfilled:
* Restoration of Article 370 and 35A.
* Redrawing the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act.
* Reinstatement of the Old Pension Scheme.
* Release of Political Prisoners and Repeal of the Public Safety Act (PSA).
* Creation of One Lakh Jobs.
* Provision of 12 Free LPG Cylinders to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
* Free Travel for Women in Public Transport: JKNC pledged to offer free public transportation for women.
* Facilitating the Dignified Return of Kashmiri Pandits.
* Easing Passport Issuance and Reducing Harassment on Highways.
Speaking expansively over the journey of J & K from 1947 till now,, despite its natural wealth and strategic importance, it continues to grapple with fundamental issues:
Repression and Political Instability: Decades of conflict and political uncertainty have eroded trust between the governed and the governing.
Unemployment: The region faces one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, leaving its youth disillusioned and vulnerable to exploitation.
Underdevelopment: Despite being a recipient of the highest grant-in-aid from the central government, the region struggles with inadequate infrastructure, poor healthcare, and substandard education.
Jammu and Kashmir’s inability to self-finance its government salaries despite its income underscores a critical economic paradox:
Lack of Self-Sufficiency: Despite this, the region has failed to establish a self-reliant economy, relying heavily on external funds to sustain basic governance.
Mismanagement of Resources: Natural resources like water, tourism potential, and handicrafts remain underutilized or mismanaged, depriving the state of significant revenue.
Regional Divides:
Jammu & Kashmir have distinct cultural and economic needs. Despite promises of economic upliftment, key sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and handicrafts remain underdeveloped.
The road from rhetoric to reality defines a leader’s journey.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve more than slogans-they deserve a government that delivers, a vision that transforms, and a future that uplifts.
In a politically sensitive region like J&K, fulfilling promises is not just about governance-it is about healing wounds, building trust, and forging a collective future. History has shown that leaders who fail to deliver fade into obscurity, while those who rise to the occasion become timeless icons.
Mr. Omar Abdullah and his coalition must rise above the noxious political discourse that oftenly dominated Jammu and Kashmir’s political horizon.
New Delhi’s firm stance signals that ‘politics of blackmail ‘will no longer be allowed to have the sunshine. Only a sincere commitment to development and accountability will win the trust of the people and the Centre too.
A New Dawn?
The silver lining lies in the emergence of a young and dynamic breed of legislators. With fresh perspectives and a deeper connection to grassroots realities, they hold the potential to steer Jammu and Kashmir toward progress. However, this will require unwavering focus, collaboration, and a rejection of outdated, divisive politics.
Amidst the winds of change in J&K, let the voices of elected representatives not just echo, but resonate with wisdom, weaving words into bridges and actions into milestones.”
Jammu and Kashmir has always been a land of resilience and beauty-a paradise on Earth. It is now up to its leaders to ensure that it does not become a paradise lost. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have waited long enough. They deserve a future defined not by conflict but by prosperity and peace. Let this be the dawn of a new era out of the realm of broken promises and lost opportunities.
(The columnist is member of J & K Legislative Assembly)
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