Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has asserted that the Union Government thwarted the National Conference’s efforts to hold a protest advocating for the restoration of statehood. He reaffirmed that this suppression will not derail their campaign for dignity and self-governance, characterising the struggle for the rights of Jammu and Kashmir as newly initiated.

In a post shared on X, Abdullah expressed his thoughts on the obstacles encountered during the demonstration, indicating a strong resolve to continue the fight. He stated, “We were stopped from getting to Jantar Mantar & stopped from protesting peacefully for what is rightfully ours, but we were not silenced. This is only the beginning of our struggle for statehood, our rights, our dignity and everything that was taken away from us.”

Earlier in the day, the National Conference organised a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, aimed at requesting the restoration of statehood. While party leaders faced restrictions on their way to the protest location, they maintained that their movement remains active and aligned with their constitutional goals.

Calls Made for Urgency in Restoring Statehood

Hasnain Masoodi, an MLA of the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, spoke to ANI, underscoring that the persistent delay in statehood restoration is detrimental to national interests. He highlighted the uncertainty currently prevailing in the region as a central issue behind their protest.

Masoodi stated, “The promise regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood was made on the floor of Parliament, before the Supreme Court. Yet, for a year and a half, no action has been taken.” He emphasised the importance of addressing the prevailing uncertainty, which he claimed is not beneficial for either the nation or its citizens.

The Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, remarked that the National Conference’s actions at Jantar Mantar on July 20 were aimed at reminding the Centre of its commitments concerning statehood. Choudhary further mentioned that the Prime Minister and Home Minister had assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that statehood would be re-established following the 2024 elections.

National Conference Maintains Pressure on the Central Government

The National Conference continues to vocalise its demand for statehood, which has been a longstanding aim, particularly following the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. Party chief Farooq Abdullah has extended invitations to leaders from various parties to join in the protest planned for Jantar Mantar.

On July 10, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah revealed that the National Conference had not secured permission for its protest on July 20, alleging attempts to undermine their efforts. He stated that full statehood has been a priority for the party since the abrogation of Article 370, while also noting that the Centre established two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh—post-abrogation.

The Supreme Court endorsed the decision to revoke Article 370; however, it did not address the question of restoring statehood at that time, as the Central Government indicated that it would occur in due course. The National Conference remains steadfast in its demands, continuing to urge for the recognition of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

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