The demand to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is once again in the spotlight. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken a significant step regarding this issue.
Srinagar: The demand for granting full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir seems to be gaining momentum once again. Addressing this issue, the state's former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, took a major political step on Tuesday. He has written a letter to all major national political parties, urging them to raise this issue seriously in Parliament.
'Promise Made to the People Should Now Be Fulfilled' – Omar Abdullah
While interacting with the media in Srinagar, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said,
'I have written to all the parties that have a significant number of MPs in Parliament. My request is that they help us fulfill the promise of full statehood made to Jammu and Kashmir. Raise this issue in Parliament with full force so that a concrete decision is taken on it during this session and the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir is restored.'
Omar Abdullah clarified that this demand is not of any single party or government, but it is the sentiment of 12.5 million citizens of Jammu and Kashmir. He also reminded that the promise of full statehood was made not only in election rallies, but also before the Parliament and the Supreme Court.
Focus on Supreme Court Hearing on Article 370
Referring to the Supreme Court hearing on Article 370 scheduled for August 8, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that in its decision of August 5, 2023, the Supreme Court had asked the central government to grant full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as soon as possible. ‘As soon as possible’ has now been many years. If the Supreme Court had not set a deadline for elections, perhaps I would not have been the Chief Minister today. We feel that the time has now come to put that promise into practice. – Omar Abdullah
This statement comes against the backdrop of the Supreme Court's directive emphasizing the need to restore the democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir.
Government's Focus on Security and Tourism in Kashmir
Referring to the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, the former Chief Minister said that even after that unfortunate incident, the security system in the state has been strengthened. He also informed that more than 4 lakh devotees have participated in the Amarnath Yatra this year so far, which is a positive sign towards the stability and development of the state.
Tourists are now coming here and enjoying the hospitality of Kashmiris. This shows that people have now started considering Kashmir as a safe and welcoming place. – Omar Abdullah
Condolences on Dharali Disaster, Concern on Environment
Expressing his reaction to the devastating disaster in the Dharali region of Uttarakhand, Omar Abdullah said that this is a natural warning, which all the mountainous states should take seriously. We are cutting forests, damaging mountains. The consequences of this are now coming before us. Jammu and Kashmir is also not untouched by this threat. We have to pay attention to environmental protection along with development. – Omar Abdullah
The former Chief Minister expressed his deep condolences and sympathy to the affected families of Uttarakhand. This step of Omar Abdullah is not only politically bold, but it also reminds the national parties of the constitutional accountability on the issue of Jammu and Kashmir.
