Omar Abdullah renews call for J&K statehood as National Conference govt marks one year in power

Srinagar: Exactly a year after taking oath as Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Thursday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfil his promise of restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, saying the people had expected the assurance to be honoured within the first year of his government.

Addressing a press conference in Srinagar to mark the first anniversary of the National Conference (NC) government, Omar said while his administration had stayed true to its electoral commitments, the Centre had yet to deliver on its pledge to reverse the Union Territory status imposed in 2019.

“We were hopeful that the Centre would restore statehood within the first year of our government, but it has not happened,” Omar said. “I once again appeal to the Prime Minister and his team to fulfil the promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

The Chief Minister said his government had already formalised its demand through a resolution passed in the Assembly, underscoring the political consensus in the region on restoring full statehood. “This isn’t just a political slogan — it’s a sentiment deeply rooted in the hearts of the people,” he said.

The demand for statehood has remained one of the most sensitive political issues in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019.

The Union government has repeatedly stated that statehood will be restored “at an appropriate time,” but has avoided setting a timeline. With delimitation completed in 2022 and Assembly elections held last year after a gap of nearly a decade, political observers believe the Centre may be weighing the timing of restoration.

Omar’s renewed appeal is seen as a calculated reminder to New Delhi that the issue continues to dominate public discourse despite the return of an elected government. Analysts say the statement also seeks to reassure voters that the NC remains firm on its foundational promise of political empowerment and administrative autonomy.

Defending his government’s performance, Omar said the NC administration was working for the “betterment of the people” and asked the public to judge it at the end of its five-year term. “When we sought votes, it was not for one year but for five. People have started raising questions, but I request them to evaluate us after our full term,” he said.

As Jammu and Kashmir completes a year under an elected government after over six years of central rule, the NC’s renewed pitch for statehood signals that the debate over autonomy and democratic restoration remains far from settled.