The central government has ended the six-year-long President’s Rule in Jammu Kashmir, setting the stage for Omar Abdullah of the National Conference (NC) to lead the new government.
The order from the Indian government ended the second longest period of president’s rule in Jammu Kashmir, following the period from 1990-1996.
The order issued by Rashtrapati Bhavan on October 14, 2024, stated, “In exercise of the powers conferred by Section 73 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 (34 of 2019) read with Articles 239 and 239A of the Constitution of India, the order dated October 31, 2019, in relation to the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir shall stand revoked immediately before the appointment of the chief minister under Section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.”
President Droupadi Murmu signed the notification, which marks a significant step in restoring the democratic process in the Union Territory.
The recently held assembly elections saw the NC, in alliance with the Indian National Congress (INC), securing 48 seats, forming a clear majority.
Omar Abdullah, expected to take the chief minister’s oath, will lead the first elected government in Jammu Kashmir since 2018, when the region was placed under Governor’s Rule following the BJP’s withdrawal of support from the coalition led by Mehbooba Mufti’s People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
The latest development follows a tumultuous period in the region’s political history. In June 2018, the BJP pulled out of its coalition with the PDP, leading to the collapse of the state government.
Governor’s Rule was imposed, with Satyapal Malik assuming administrative control. On November 21, 2018, efforts to form a new government emerged as Mehbooba Mufti claimed the support of the NC and the INC, while Sajjad Lone of the People’s Conference also claimed support from the BJP.
However, both parties’ attempts to fax their claims to the Governor’s office were thwarted when the fax machine was reportedly “out of order.” The next day, Governor Malik dissolved the assembly, a month before the six-month constitutional limit for Governor’s Rule was due to expire, leading to the imposition of President’s Rule on December 19, 2018.
The situation in Jammu Kashmir intensified on August 5, 2019, when the central government abrogated Article 370 and Article 35A, stripping the region of its special status and bifurcating it into two Union Territories: Jammu Kashmir (with a legislative assembly) and Ladakh (without one).
The move was followed by a severe crackdown, including the detention of former chief ministers Omar Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti, and Farooq Abdullah under the Public Safety Act (PSA). Alongside political leaders, hundreds of Kashmiris were detained and sent to jails outside Jammu Kashmir, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana.
Additionally, authorities imposed the longest internet shutdown in a democracy, lasting for over 18 months.
The blackout severely impacted communication, businesses, education, and healthcare services in the region, drawing widespread criticism from human rights organizations and international observers.
As President’s Rule is lifted, and Omar Abdullah prepares to take office, the return of an elected government is a critical step for Jammu Kashmir after years of political uncertainty, detentions, and unprecedented restrictions on civil liberties.
The restoration of democracy is seen as a pivotal moment for the region as it moves towards rebuilding its political and social landscape.