Farooq Abdullah Revives J&K Statehood Demand, PDP Calls Theory 'Illogical'

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has renewed his demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, arguing that the abrogation of Article 370 has failed to eliminate terrorism in the Union Territory. His remarks came amid heightened security measures following two recent terror attacks in south Kashmir, which have triggered a massive security crackdown and the detention of hundreds of suspects over the past 10 days.

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Abdullah questioned the Centre's repeated claims that terrorism had significantly declined after the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir's special status in August 2019. Referring to the recent attacks, he asked, "Tell us who these killers are? You have been saying that terrorism has ended. If it was so, then who are these killers?" He maintained that the latest incidents demonstrate that militancy continues to pose a serious security challenge despite the constitutional changes made nearly seven years ago.

Abdullah also reiterated the National Conference's long-standing demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, which was revoked when the former state was reorganised into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The National Conference has consistently argued that restoring full statehood is essential for strengthening democratic governance, administrative accountability and public confidence in the region.

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His comments, however, drew sharp criticism from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), with both parties accusing him of linking terror incidents to the political demand for statehood. They described his remarks as "illogical conspiracy theories" and argued that such statements risk politicising acts of terrorism during a period of mourning and heightened security concerns.

PDP leader Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, criticised the National Conference leadership for using the recent attacks to advance its political agenda. In a statement, she said, "Statehood seems to be the end all and be all for the Jammu and Kashmir government. Unfortunate to see the ruling party's senior leaders and ministers create illogical conspiracy theories about GOI thwarting statehood by pointing fingers about the two innocent labourers gunned down in a shameful act of terror. A moment of grief shouldn't be politicised." Her remarks underscored the PDP's view that the focus should remain on ensuring justice for the victims and strengthening security rather than engaging in political debate.

The latest exchange highlights the continuing political divisions in Jammu and Kashmir over Article 370, statehood and the region's security situation. While the Centre has repeatedly maintained that the constitutional changes have improved governance and weakened militancy, opposition parties continue to question those claims whenever fresh terror attacks occur. The recent violence in south Kashmir has once again brought these issues into sharp focus, with the debate over security, governance and the restoration of statehood expected to remain a key political issue in the Union Territory in the coming months.

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