 "Farmers and their supporters during their ongoing agitation against the farm reform laws, at the Ghazipur border in New Delhi, Saturday, Jan 30, 2021. (PTI Photo)")
Former chief minister and Peoples' Democratic Party chief Mehbooba Mufti has said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) may have to follow the example of the ongoing farmers' agitation to restore the state's special status. So far the government's heavy-handed measures have left no political space for such an agitation. But perhaps election to the local bodies and District Development Councils, as well as the restoration of 4G internet services, have emboldened Kashmiri leaders.
However, a non-violent movement for the restoration of the special status of J&K would be complicated by divisions on the issue itself. Those with separatist and pro-Pakistan sentiments will see it as compromising on 'self-determination' and independence. Further, Jammu and Ladakh may have quite
