Srinagar, September 2, 2026
National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah asserted on Wednesday that the people of Jammu and Kashmir would no longer remain silent regarding the denial of their statehood. Addressing a protest organized by the party in Srinagar, Abdullah criticized the central government for failing to uphold its commitment to restoring the region’s statehood, a promise made after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Information was available with The Chenab Times that Abdullah stated, “J&K is facing tough times. The Centre promised us statehood, but it has neither been restored nor have the business rules been sent to us.”
Abdullah reiterated that the decisions made on August 5, 2019, which led to the revocation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories, were unconstitutional. He highlighted that these actions continue to face widespread opposition across the country, citing demonstrations held both inside and outside Parliament as evidence of growing national solidarity with Jammu and Kashmir’s demand for justice. The NC president stressed that the party’s stance on this issue is institutional and unwavering, stating, “I don’t have any policy; the National Conference has a policy.”
The protests, organized by the National Conference, aim to convey a strong message that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are resolute in their pursuit of political and constitutional rights. Abdullah alleged that individuals within Jammu and Kashmir who supported the abrogation of Article 370 were acting as “agents” and would eventually be held accountable for their actions. “They will have to answer to the Almighty one day,” he added.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the efforts to restore statehood would continue relentlessly. While reviewing relief and rehabilitation measures in flood-hit Rajouri, he affirmed, “Yes. We will continue our efforts until statehood is restored.” He underscored that the movement for statehood is sustained and strategic, not merely symbolic.
The demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood has been a persistent call from various political parties in the region since the constitutional changes of 2019. The Supreme Court of India, in December 2023, upheld the abrogation of Article 370 but directed the Union government to restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir and hold legislative assembly elections. Despite these directives and repeated assurances from central leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the full restoration of statehood has been indefinitely delayed. Political parties, including the National Conference and the Congress, have been vocal in expressing their disappointment and have organized various protests and campaigns to press the Centre for action.
Farooq Abdullah also questioned claims of returning peace to Jammu and Kashmir, pointing to ongoing fear and security concerns. He suggested that the security situation was being used as a pretext to delay statehood and that an environment of fear was being deliberately created. He urged the people to strive for economic self-reliance, arguing that dependence on Delhi hinders the region’s dignity and independence. The National Conference leadership has consistently maintained that the restoration of full statehood is a crucial step towards empowering the elected government, protecting local land and jobs, and upholding the region’s identity and autonomy.
The Chenab Times News Desk