Farooq Abdullah Demands Statehood Restoration Bill for J&K in Parliament

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Friday called on the Centre to introduce and pass a bill restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.

Reiterating his party's longstanding demand, Abdullah urged the Central government to fulfil its repeated commitments to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and bring the statehood restoration Bill before Parliament without further delay.

"The people of Jammu and Kashmir have waited long enough. The restoration of statehood is not merely a political demand but a constitutional and democratic imperative," Abdullah said in a statement.

The three-time former chief minister said Parliament must use the opportunity to honour the assurances repeatedly given to the people of the Union Territory and restore their democratic rights and dignity.

Abdullah also praised the Omar Abdullah-led Jammu and Kashmir government for its response to challenges arising from recent inclement weather in the Union Territory. He described the administration's efforts as prompt and compassionate, saying its intervention and continuous monitoring had helped provide timely relief to affected residents.

He commended Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for personally supervising relief and restoration operations, conducting field visits and reviewing the situation with civil authorities. He also appreciated efforts to accelerate rescue, rehabilitation and the restoration of essential services.

The National Conference chief further asked party legislators, functionaries and workers to remain present on the ground, maintain close contact with affected communities and extend all possible assistance.

Abdullah said party representatives must ensure that the grievances of affected families are promptly conveyed to the administration and addressed without delay, stressing that public service remains central to the party's politics.