Watch | Understanding Jammu & Kashmir: Failure of Democratic Institutions

Happymon Jacob speaks to Wajahat Habibullah, former chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities and the first chief information commissioner of India, an officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Cadre of the Indian Administrative Services, and the author of the much acclaimed book, My Kashmir: The Dying of the Light, about the evolution of Jammu and Kashmir’s relations vis-a-vis the Indian state.

Habibullah explains the declining faith in Indian democratic institutions, in particular, and the Indian state in general. He discusses issues like corruption in the bureaucracy, policy paralysis, political abdication and other issues that have prevented democratic institutions from assimilating the aspirations of Kashmiri people.

He also discusses whether, as envisioned, Articles 370 and 35A have stabilised Centre-state relations, and what future governments in New Delhi can learn from these issues to reinstate faith in democratic institutions and the idea of India.

The Wire is now on WhatsApp. Follow our channel for sharp analysis and opinions on the latest developments.