![A map of the disputed region created by the US Central Intelligence Agency and hosted by the University of Texas-Austin Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection; altered to show new jurisdictions,[1][2…](https://thechenabtimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/A-map-of-the-disputed-region-created-by-the-US-Central-Intel-485x360.jpg "A map of the disputed region created by the US Central Intelligence Agency and hosted by the University of Texas-Austin Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection; altered to show new jurisdictions,[1][2…")
SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) staged a protest in New Delhi on Monday, July 20, 2026, demanding the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstration took place on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, with party leaders and workers gathering at the Jammu and Kashmir House. They carried placards with slogans such as “Apna wada pura karo” (Fulfil your promise), “Restore rights and dignity of people of J&K,” and “Restore full statehood.” The party aims to hold the central government accountable for its commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s status.
NC’s Call for Unity and Political Momentum
Tanvir Sadiq, Chief Spokesperson for the NC, stated that the party would proceed with its protest in New Delhi despite awaiting formal permission for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar. Sadiq expressed hope for permission, noting that similar protests had been accommodated at the venue previously. He emphasized that the demand for statehood transcends political affiliations and concerns every resident of Jammu and Kashmir, urging for a united political front. The NC had extended invitations to various political parties, including the BJP, and civil society organizations to join the campaign, aiming to transform it into a collective movement.
Opposition and Political Divergences
The protest saw participation from some Congress leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, but other invited parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Peoples Conference, did not join. The PDP, led by Mehbooba Mufti, stated that their participation was contingent on the inclusion of demands for the restoration of Article 370, the release of political prisoners, and the lifting of the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami in the protest agenda. The PDP argued that a protest solely focused on statehood echoed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s narrative of sidelining special status. Conversely, the NC leadership, including Tanvir Sadiq, cautioned that making statehood conditional on resolving all other constitutional issues could provide a pretext for indefinite delays.
Protest Encounters Obstacles
The demonstration faced logistical challenges as police reportedly stopped National Conference leaders, including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, from reaching Jantar Mantar due to security curbs in central Delhi. In response, Omar Abdullah and other leaders took to autorickshaws and other means to navigate the restrictions and continue their protest, eventually staging a dharna on Ashoka Road. The NC had initially planned to protest at Jantar Mantar, but shifted their programme to the nearby Constitution Club after being denied permission for the primary venue. However, Omar Abdullah was subsequently prevented from reaching the Constitution Club as well.
Background and Context
The demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood has been a significant political issue since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The National Conference has consistently advocated for the return of full statehood, arguing that it is essential for the region’s democratic institutions, identity, land rights, and employment protections. The party views the restoration of statehood not as an end in itself, but as a foundational step for addressing broader constitutional and political matters through democratic engagement. The current Union Territory arrangement has been criticized by various political groups for its perceived structural limitations and the erosion of democratic accountability.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
