Restoring J&K's statehood key to political stability

Jammu and Kashmir, often called J&K, is a region in the north of India.

For many years, it had special rules that gave it more independence within India.

In August 2019, India changed those rules and split the region into two smaller parts.

After the change, India's central government had much more control over how the region was run.

In 2024, people voted and a new elected government led by Omar Abdullah was formed.

But J&K is still not a full-fledged state like most other parts of India.

Some important jobs, like running the police and managing land, are still handled by a leader chosen by India's central government.

Many people and political parties want J&K to become a full state again.

The central government says this will happen at an 'appropriate time' but has not said when.

Others worry more about safety and security and support the current arrangement.