‘Continued delay’ in restoring full statehood to J&K is concerning, says Omar Abdullah

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday expressed concern over the “continued delay” in restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir , saying the prolonged wait has created uncertainty and disappointment among the people. In his statement, he said the people of Jammu and Kashmir have waited patiently and placed their faith in democratic institutions, yet the promise of restoring statehood remains unfulfilled.

“Statehood is not a privilege, but a constitutional right that reflects the democratic aspirations and identity of the people,” he said. Referring to repeated assurances made at the highest levels, Abdullah pointed out that the absence of a clear timeline has only deepened public anxiety. He stressed that restoring statehood would strengthen democratic governance, ensure greater accountability , and empower elected representatives to effectively address public concerns.

The demand gains significance in the backdrop of the August 5, 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 , which had granted special status to the erstwhile state. Parliament subsequently enacted the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act , bifurcating the region into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. While the Supreme Court upheld the move in 2023, it observed that statehood should be restored at the earliest.

Since the reorganisation, Jammu and Kashmir has continued to receive substantial central assistance , including over ₹43,000 crore in grant in aid in the recent Union Budget to bridge its resource gap, along with enhanced capital investment support for infrastructure and development projects.

However, Abdullah maintained that financial packages cannot replace democratic rights . He urged the Centre to honour its commitment without further delay and initiate concrete steps toward reinstating full statehood, asserting that safeguarding constitutional guarantees is essential for lasting peace, stability and development in the region.