Omar Abdullah Presses PM Modi on J&K Statehood
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has urged the Union government to honour Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to restore statehood, saying a promise made by the country’s highest elected leader should carry significant weight.
Omar Abdullah Seeks Statehood Timeline
Abdullah questioned how long Jammu and Kashmir would have to wait for the restoration of full statehood. He said the Centre had repeatedly maintained that the change would happen at an appropriate time but had not provided a definite timeline.
The Chief Minister recalled Modi’s earlier remarks in Katra, where the Prime Minister described the restoration of statehood as his commitment. Abdullah said the continued absence of progress had created growing frustration among residents and political representatives.
National Conference Plans Delhi Protest
The National Conference plans to hold a demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, coinciding with the beginning of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
The protest will demand the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood through democratic and constitutional means. Party president Farooq Abdullah has also invited opposition parties and BJP representatives to support the campaign.
Jammu and Kashmir Statehood Demand
Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh — in August 2019 following the removal of its special constitutional status.
Assembly elections were held in 2024, leading to the formation of an elected government headed by Omar Abdullah. However, administrative powers continue to be divided between the elected government and the Lieutenant Governor.
Abdullah said restoring statehood remained a central democratic demand and called on the Centre to fulfil its commitment without further delay.
