J&K CM Omar Abdullah Criticises BJP Over Delayed Statehood, Plans Protest in Delhi

Srinagar, July 12: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed frustration over the delay in the restoration of statehood to the region, which was downgraded to a union territory in August 2019. In a pointed remark aimed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), he questioned whether he should appeal to former US President Donald Trump for the restoration of statehood, given the central government's reluctance to act on its own commitment.

Addressing journalists, Abdullah stated that the National Conference (NC) would continue its democratic campaign until full statehood is reinstated. He announced a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 to press the demand. He reminded Prime Minister Narendra Modi of his past assurance on the matter, made in Parliament, that statehood would be restored “at the appropriate time.”

The chief minister’s remarks come amid growing impatience among regional parties and civil society groups over the lack of progress on the statehood promise. The central government has maintained that the situation is under review but has not specified a timeline. Meanwhile, the NC and other political parties have argued that the prolonged wait undermines the democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

The protest at Jantar Mantar is expected to draw support from other like-minded parties. Abdullah reiterated that the National Conference would continue its campaign “until statehood is restored,” rejecting suggestions that the issue should be pursued through foreign interventions.