Omar takes charge

THE first Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, brings with him a wealth of experience, having served as the Chief Minister of the erstwhile state from 2009 to 2014. Even before the National Conference leader took oath, the inhouse disorder was out in the open. The Congress party, the NC's pre-poll alliance partner, has decided to stay out of the government. The numbers are on Omar's side and there is little reason to expect any instability. Whatever the Congress' compulsions, it has set off a buzz of uneasiness within the camp. There are occasions that demand a mature stance. The presence of the Gandhi siblings, the Congress chief and other INDIA bloc members at the swearing-in ceremony fell short in conveying a message of unity and hope. Optics matter and an urgent course-correction is called for.

Ironically, an affirmation of orderliness has come from unexpected quarters. The Lieutenant Governor has assured the UT's first elected government that there will be no cause for confrontation from his side. The road ahead is uncharted territory, but right words said at the right moment signify a welcome positive start. There's been a paradigm shift in J&K's polity in the last 10 years. Despite the roadblocks, the restoration of democratic processes presents immense possibilities. It is now up to the public representatives to live up to their promises.

Statehood is the new all-consuming political goalpost. On the ground, the demands are simpler, yet far more difficult to fulfil. The people of the violence-hit region are yearning for a change that directly impacts their lives — less of politics, more of developmental activity and redress of local grievances. That's where Omar Abdullah needs to invest his energy in. A lot is riding on him.