Statehood Key to Restoring J&K's Special Status: Omar Abdullah
"Statehood protest in Delhi was just the beginning and not the end," the National Conference (NC) leader said.
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday delivered what his aides termed as his clearest and most forceful statements yet on the National Conference (NC)’s political roadmap, declaring that the restoration of statehood is the indispensable foundation upon which any discussion of Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional guarantees or special status must rest.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar after returning from New Delhi—where the NC staged a protest demanding the return of statehood—Abdullah stressed that the party’s struggle would continue “in different forms” until the Centre fulfils its promise.
Abdullah opened the press conference by underscoring that the event in the Union capital was organised by the NC, not the government, reflecting the party’s intent to speak directly to the people about its ongoing campaign. He reiterated that the Centre must honour the assurances given to the people of J&K, and that the NC would persist in its political movement until statehood is restored.
He emphasised that the NC’s programme in New Delhi was not limited to any single party or organisation. The invitation was extended to all political groups because, he said, statehood is a collective issue that concerns every resident of J&K. Abdullah criticised opposition parties for attempting to belittle the movement instead of supporting it, expressing disappointment that those who claim solidarity with the region “choose silence at crucial moments.”
Turning to the recurring debate around Article 370, Abdullah argued that the conversation is meaningless without first restoring statehood. He questioned the logic of discussing constitutional guarantees when the Union Territory structure leaves no room for power-sharing between the Centre and a state government. Without statehood, he said, “everything remains under the Union List,” making it impossible to meaningfully negotiate special status or constitutional protections.
Abdullah reminded reporters that the NC has never abandoned its commitment to J&K’s constitutional rights. The first Assembly session after the formation of the present government passed a resolution seeking the restoration of the region’s special constitutional position. That resolution, he said, “is still alive,” but can only be taken up meaningfully once statehood is reinstated.
He accused certain political parties of avoiding confrontation with the BJP and the Central Government while targeting the NC instead, saying they prefer social media commentary over street-level mobilisation for the rights and dignity of the people. Abdullah insisted that the NC’s agitation is only the beginning, with future strategies to be decided by party president Farooq Abdullah.
Highlighting veteran party leader’s participation in the Delhi protest, Abdullah r described his father —who joined the demonstration at the age of 90, walking stick in hand—as “the strongest symbol of the movement.” He also thanked party workers who travelled to Delhi without any financial assistance, calling their voluntary participation a testament to their commitment.
He reaffirmed that the NC would continue organising public programmes across districts and maintain pressure on the Centre until J&K regains full statehood. “The party stands firmly by its promises, remains steadfast in its commitments, and will soon unveil a new strategy to carry the movement forward,” he said.
The Chief Minister announced a fresh inquiry into the Srinagar Smart City project amid the Kashmiri capital witnessing unprecedented waterlogging in the impact of rains that damaged shops and homes and assured that families affected by recent weather-related developments would receive compensation according to established norms.
