President’s rule in Jammu and Kashmir has officially been revoked, setting the stage for a new government in the region. The announcement was made on Sunday through a notification from the Centre, allowing the appointment of a Chief Minister for the first time since 2018.

President Droupadi Murmu’s order, based on the powers given by the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, ended the President’s rule that was imposed after the fall of the Mehbooba Mufti-led coalition government in 2018.

For the past six years, the region had been under Central rule. Now, as Jammu and Kashmir looks forward to electing a new government, political leaders and citizens are hopeful for a fresh start.