Jammu and Kashmir protest in Delhi demands restored statehood

The National Conference organised a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on July 20, led by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, to press the central government to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

The demonstration recalls promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah after the 2024 elections to reinstate statehood, which was revoked in August 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated and the region was split into two union territories.

Police intervened and prevented the rally, citing a lack of permission for the National Conference. The government says statehood will be restored “at the appropriate time” without a set deadline, while the BJP alleges the protest distracts from governance issues. Ongoing India‑Pakistan claims over the disputed region add further geopolitical context.