Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah hopes Union Territory status is temporary; asks Centre to fulfill promise on restoration of statehood

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Thursday expressed hope that the current Union Territory status is a temporary arrangement and that the “central government would honour its commitment to restoring the region’s statehood.”

Jammu and Kashmir was stripped of its special status and statehood and bifurcated into two Union Territories (UT) in 2019. Restoration of Article 370 and Jammu and Kashmir's statehood as well as implementation of the autonomy resolution passed by the erstwhile assembly in 2000 were among the NC's 12 guarantees announced in its manifesto for the upcoming polls.

“The UT status is a temporary phase for J&K. The central government had promised statehood as soon as possible, and we hope it will not take much time,” Omar said while addressing his first presser after taking over as chief minister in October 2024.

He reminded that the Supreme Court had directed statehood restoration over a year ago. While pronouncing its verdict on a batch of petitions challenging the abrogation of Article 370 in December 2023, the Supreme Court had upheld the Modi government's decision but asked it to conduct elections in the assembly by September 30, 2024, and restore statehood to J&K “at the earliest.”

While elections were held in September, and October last year as per the apex court directions, the restoration of statehood remains a contentious issue between the Omar government and centrenter.

Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister said they have been in power for more than two months now. “It took us some time to understand the functioning of a government in a UT. It was easier than anticipated. We stand by the promises we made before the elections. It will be of utmost importance to us to change the status of J&K,” he said.

“We are not making any big announcements as was being speculated on social media. We only wanted to have an interaction. We will try to answer your questions," the Chief Minister said. “I would like to have this kind of interaction without any agenda at least twice a year.”

On a recent protest led by ruling NC MP Aga Rahullah over the reservation issue, Omar said, “It is good that Rahullah sahib protested outside my residence, but now I hope he will lead a similar protest in Parliament to advocate for the restoration of J&K’s statehood.”

He also dismissed allegations of being under pressure from the Centre, Raj Bhawan, or any political leaders, including those from the BJP.

“My government is not facing any pressure from the Prime Minister’s Office, Home Minister’s Office, Raj Bhawan, or any BJP leader,” he asserted.

Despite the formation of an elected government, governance in J&K continues to function under a hybrid model where key administrative powers, such as control over home affairs and the authority to transfer Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers, are still vested in Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

However, Omar said his government has started implementing some election promises and will work towards fulfilling others that require changes in the system.

The Chief Minister also dismissed rumours on land reforms in J&K. “There is no proposal for auctioning land in Gulmarg and Pahalgam and lease issues will be soon sorted out,” he announced.