Omar Abdullah Warns Against Statehood Condition
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has warned against linking restoration of full statehood to the complete elimination of militancy, arguing that such a condition would effectively allow Pakistan-backed violence to influence the Union Territory’s constitutional future.
Omar Abdullah Questions Militancy-Statehood Link
Speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, Abdullah said restoration of statehood should not depend on whether militancy has been completely eradicated.
He argued that if terrorist violence became the deciding factor, Pakistan and militant groups could effectively influence when Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood simply by continuing attacks.
Abdullah maintained that decisions on J&K’s constitutional status should remain within India’s democratic and institutional framework rather than being shaped indirectly by cross-border terrorism.
J&K Assembly Passes Statehood Resolution
His remarks came after the Assembly passed a resolution calling for restoration of complete statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The issue has remained politically contentious since the former state was reorganised into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in August 2019.
Abdullah’s National Conference has repeatedly demanded restoration of statehood and greater political powers for the elected government.
Autonomy Reference Sparks BJP Walkout
The Assembly debate became heated after the resolution referred to an earlier autonomy demand adopted by the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly in 2000.
BJP legislators opposed the reference and staged a walkout, arguing that attempts to revive the autonomy debate were unacceptable.
The disagreement has intensified the wider political debate over statehood, Article 370 and the division of powers between Jammu and Kashmir’s elected government and the Centre.
