India, Aug. 11 -- August 5, 2026; the seventh anniversary of the dilution of Article 370, leading to the divesting of Jammu and Kashmir of statehood and dividing it into two Union Territories (UTs). It was an unprecedented and unmatched act in the over 70-year history of the Indian Republic. And the solemn assurance of the Union Government and ruling BJP to restore statehood at an appropriate time, made on different fora, including Parliament and the Supreme Court of India, is still waiting to be fructified.

There could have been no better occasion/opportunity for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil this solemn assurance than the day of the seventh anniversary. It would have better suited the grand-standing style of the current ruling...