Fulfil the promise

The Hindu editorial treats statehood restoration as a constitutional and democratic issue, not a discretionary political favour. It argues that Union Territory status keeps an elected government subordinate to an unelected Lieutenant Governor who controls major areas of administration, police, and institutions.

The Hindu editorial rejects the Centre’s security-based justification for delay. It says a cross-border attack such as the Pahalgam incident does not logically explain why elected representatives should not be entrusted with state powers.