Omar Abdullah urges restoration of Jammu and Kashmir statehood after Delhi protest

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has intensified calls for the restoration of statehood for the Union Territory, arguing it is essential for regaining constitutional powers and the region's special status. Following a National Conference protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Abdullah praised the participation of party president Farooq Abdullah, noting that the 90‑year‑old leader’s march was “the greatest symbol” of the movement. He said, “Statehood is imperative for its special status,” and warned that Article 370 and related provisions have little meaning without a full‑state status.

Abdullah also condemned police actions that blocked the protest route and affirmed that the demonstration was only the beginning of a broader campaign to remind the Centre of its commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. The National Conference pledged to continue pressing the central government to fulfill its promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.