Omar Abdullah Rallies Support for J&K Statehood, Announces July 20 Delhi Protest

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has defended the National Conference's decision to stage a statehood protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 20 , saying the demonstration is aimed at the Central government, which alone has the power to restore the region's statehood.

Responding to criticism over holding the protest outside Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah asked, "If not in Delhi, then where?" He said the demand must be raised in the national capital because the final decision rests with the Centre. The protest is scheduled to coincide with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session , with the party hoping to draw national attention to its demand.

The chief minister also dismissed the controversy surrounding the invitation extended to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq , calling it a "manufactured controversy." He said the issue of restoring statehood affects every resident of Jammu and Kashmir and should not be viewed through a partisan lens. According to Abdullah, the National Conference has invited leaders from across the political spectrum to join the peaceful demonstration.

Stepping up his criticism of the BJP, Abdullah questioned the delay in fulfilling repeated assurances on restoring statehood. He alleged that attempts were being made to weaken the elected government through "backdoor politics," claiming that some legislators were being approached with offers to switch loyalties.

In the run-up to the protest, the National Conference has intensified its outreach by engaging political leaders and civil society groups to build wider support for the demand. The party says the campaign is focused solely on securing the restoration of full statehood for Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Conference is awaiting official permission from the Delhi administration to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar. Meanwhile, the BJP has criticised the move, describing it as politically motivated and accusing the ruling party of attempting to shift focus from governance issues.