Srinagar, Feb. 11 -- The CM's problems have mounted with his government being increasingly seen as an extension of an extension of the Lieutenant Governor's administration. He can barely help this. In a union territory, this is how an elected government is expected to operate: It has jurisdiction over development function but as for major administrative decisions, it has to largely be subservient to the LG. But along the way, many issues crop up with the elected government finding it challenging to straddle expectations of the people and the need to follow the LG's orders. This creates a disconnect with people. If people do not feel they have a stake in the system, alienation will only grow.

The killing of a civilian in Sopore and suicid...