National Conference demands restoration of Jammu and Kashmir statehood

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) is intensifying its political struggle to restore statehood to the region. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reportedly raised several key issues with the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, including the restoration of statehood, reservation policies, and the release of youth currently held in jails.

In Srinagar, the NC held a march toward the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters to remind central authorities of previous commitments regarding the region's political status. While the NC leadership emphasized that their recent demonstrations were led by elected representatives rather than general public protests, the BJP staged counter-protests targeting the current administration's governance and performance.

The confrontation highlights the ongoing tension following the 2019 reorganization that downgraded Jammu and Kashmir from a state to a Union Territory. The NC continues to demand the return of administrative and political powers, while the BJP maintains its focus on the integration of the region with the Union.