Statehood – Farooq Abdullah Reiterates Demand as Political Debate Intensifies
Statehood – The long-standing discussion around the restoration of statehood in Jammu and Kashmir has once again gained momentum, with Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah reaffirming that the Union Territory should regain its former status as promised by the Centre.
Speaking to journalists in Anantnag on Wednesday, Abdullah said the region’s aspirations extend beyond economic growth and business development. According to him, restoring statehood remains a key expectation of the people, and the National Conference continues to wait for the fulfilment of assurances made by the central leadership.
Farooq Abdullah Refers to Prime Minister’s Assurance
During his interaction with the media, Farooq Abdullah stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier conveyed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the commitment regarding statehood would be honoured. He said the party remains hopeful that the promise will eventually be implemented.
The demand has remained a significant political issue since the constitutional changes of August 2019, when Article 370 was revoked. Following that decision, the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two separate Union Territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Background of the Statehood Debate
Since the reorganisation, several political parties have consistently called for the restoration of statehood. The Centre has maintained that such a move would be considered at an appropriate stage after normalcy and stability are firmly established in the region.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has previously stated that statehood for Jammu and Kashmir would be restored once conditions become suitable. Those remarks continue to be cited by regional political leaders while pressing their demand.
National Conference Plans Protest During Parliament Session
The issue is also expected to be raised on a larger political platform in the coming weeks. National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq recently announced that party legislators intend to stage a protest in New Delhi during Parliament’s monsoon session to highlight the demand for statehood.
The decision followed a meeting of NC legislators led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar. During the gathering, party leaders reviewed nearly 19 months of governance and discussed future political strategies concerning Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional and administrative status.
Outreach to Opposition Allies
The National Conference has also sought broader political support on the matter. During a recent meeting of the INDIA alliance, Omar Abdullah reportedly appealed to partner parties to stand with the NC during its planned protest in the national capital.
According to a statement issued by the party, alliance members were informed about the proposed demonstration, and the National Conference plans to communicate separately with individual partners to seek their backing on the issue.
BJP Rejects Protest Plan
The Bharatiya Janata Party has strongly criticised the proposed protest, describing it as a political exercise rather than a genuine public movement.
BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur dismissed the National Conference’s announcement and accused the party of attempting to create confusion among residents of Jammu and Kashmir. He argued that the NC’s current position was inconsistent with its earlier actions regarding constitutional matters.
Thakur also pointed out that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have repeatedly stated that statehood would be restored at the appropriate time. He maintained that the Centre’s position on the matter has remained unchanged and clear.
Political Focus Remains on Statehood
As political parties continue to exchange views, the restoration of statehood remains one of the most significant issues in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. With Parliament’s monsoon session approaching, the debate is expected to attract renewed attention from regional leaders, national parties, and stakeholders across the Union Territory