Srinagar, July 29 -- Omar's words were measured, but firm: "Let this Parliament session pass. We are hopeful that we will get something. If not, we will talk after that." Such guarded optimism from a sitting chief minister cannot be brushed aside. On its face, it does signal a possible shift in the Centre's approach, or at least some behind-the-scenes assurance that the demand for statehood is not being ignored. Or does it?

Ever since the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, and its bifurcation into two union territories, the restoration of statehood has been one of the most pressing demands from J&K political parties While the central government has said that downgrading into union territory status was done for administrative ef...