Recent analysis by Diaspora Action Research (DAR), suggests that India may consider reinstating statehood for Jammu while keeping Kashmir Valley as an union territory. This move comes amid mounting legal and political discord surrounding Jammu & Kashmir (J&K).
Legal Pressure Builds Ahead of Supreme Court Hearing On August 8, 2025, India’s Supreme Court is scheduled to hear an application for full statehood restoration in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), six years since Articles 370 and 35A were repealed in August 2019 The Times of India + Financial Express.
The 2023 Supreme Court ruling upheld the constitutional validity of abrogation while ordering the Centre to restore statehood “at once and as quickly as possible”, according to Financial Express and The Indian Express (and their coverage thereof).
DAR’s analysis, based on early signals from New Delhi, indicates a possible staggered governance model: Jammu will likely receive statehood with restored parliamentary powers while Kashmir continues under central administration – something DAR believes could exacerbate regional tension and test constitutional federalism.
Local Leaders Express Concern National Conference Chief Minister Omar Abdullah strongly rejected any interim or hybrid governance plan, emphatically asserting full statehood as his fundamental right and warning of legal action should any half measures be pursued (India Today and The Times of India, respectively).
He has downplayed speculation of imminent decisions, noting he anticipates “nothing happening tomorrow”, yet is “hopeful” about developments later during the monsoon parliamentary session (The Economic Times/NDTV/Times of India/NDTV.com, for instance).
Farooq Abdullah, former chief minister and senior leader, strongly criticized New Delhi’s continued administrative control, alleging that J&K is still effectively run by a “viceroy” from Delhi despite having both legislative assemblies and elected governments, according to Al Jazeera and India Today’s coverage..
Political Reactions and Public Sentiment
The Indian National Congress has declared August 5 as “Black Day” in Jammu & Kashmir in support of full statehood restoration and opposing current union territory status as unjust and antidemocratic.
Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge have written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi demanding immediate resolution during Parliament’s current session of mint +1.
Legal and Constitutional Consequences
Restoration of statehood would require revoking the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation Act of 2019 and passing new legislation through both houses of Parliament – an effort neither party nor government have undertaken formally yet.
Pressure from political and civil groups within the region who claim that union territory status has hindered democratic rights and economic advancement is mounting, according to The Indian Express.
DAR Warns of Potential Division and Alienation
DAR’s concern revolves around the possibility that partial decentralization may further alienate Kashmir, already discontented over lack of autonomy. Analysts note that splitting Jammu and Kashmir into different governance regimes could provide “conestable benefits” while sparking fears of continued central dominance for Kashmiris.
DAR analysts stress the need for structural divides to be bridged in order to support reconciliation efforts, with questions regarding equitable representation and resource allocation coming from them. A meaningful statehood must accompany devolution of powers, expanded civil liberties, and inclusive development across a region, according to this think tank.
What Lies Ahead
Now all eyes turn towards the Supreme Court hearing scheduled for August 8 which may provide insight into future legal and policy decisions, writes The Times of India +8 (The Economic Times + Deccan Herald)
Political parties such as the National Conference, Congress and regional activists are closely watching whether New Delhi acts according to its constitutional mandates or adopts an incremental, region-specific solution.
India’s decision to make Jammu & Kashmir states would create a fundamental shift in governance within Jammu & Kashmir and prompt urgent conversations on federalism, regional identity and political justice in Jammu & Kashmir.