Omar Abdullah Reiterates Jammu And Kashmir Statehood Demand, Targets BJP

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said his party would continue its campaign for the restoration of statehood and would not abandon the issue to appease the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He said the recent protest in Delhi was only the beginning of a larger movement aimed at reminding the Centre of its commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference, Abdullah said the National Conference (NC) would continue raising the demand for statehood restoration and would not compromise on its political position. He said the Delhi protest was not limited to his party but was an issue concerning the entire region and called for wider political participation.

Abdullah also referred to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly’s earlier resolution seeking restoration of autonomy, alleging that the move was misrepresented by opponents. He rejected claims that the resolution was aimed at separating Jammu and Kashmir from India or merging it with Pakistan, saying such allegations were used to undermine the party’s political position.

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The Chief Minister accused the Centre of attempting to weaken the political voice of Jammu and Kashmir by encouraging new political formations after disagreements over autonomy-related issues. He said efforts were continuing to divide public opinion but maintained that the National Conference would continue its campaign for greater constitutional rights and statehood.

Responding to criticism that the NC had moved away from its position on Article 370 and special status, Abdullah said the party had never abandoned its core agenda. He argued that restoration of statehood was a key issue because constitutional provisions and power-sharing arrangements would have limited significance without the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Abdullah criticised rival regional parties for not joining the Delhi protest and accused them of avoiding confrontation with the BJP. He said some parties preferred making statements on social media instead of participating on the ground. He added that the NC would soon announce the next phase of its campaign under the guidance of party president Farooq Abdullah.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Sunil Sharma criticised Abdullah’s remarks, accusing him of focusing on political issues instead of addressing challenges faced by people affected by the ongoing natural calamities. Sharma said the Chief Minister should prioritise relief efforts for those facing losses of homes and livelihoods.

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