Key Highlights
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the central government, accusing it of deliberately delaying the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. Speaking at a workers' convention at Naseem Bagh in Srinagar on the 26th death anniversary of Begum Akbar Jehan Abdullah, he said the Centre was hiding behind the phrase 'appropriate time' without specifying any signs or timeline.
Omar Abdullah's Accusations
Addressing hundreds of National Conference (NC) workers, Omar Abdullah said, 'The Centre was delaying statehood status to J&K under the garb of appropriate time phrase without identifying signs of it and construing our patience as weakness.' He added that the NC had chosen the path of patience, but warned that silence should not be mistaken for weakness.
Referring to the Supreme Court-mandated three-step process for restoring statehood — delimitation, assembly elections, and statehood — Omar said delimitation was carried out only in J&K and Assam with the intention to benefit one party. 'Out of seven seats increased in J&K, six were won by the BJP and only one by the NC. We opted to gulp this poison. But J&K is now being punished on statehood status because people voted NC to power,' he said.
Call for Clarity from Centre
Omar Abdullah questioned the past assurances of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, who had promised statehood at an 'appropriate time'. 'Tell us what is appropriate time and what are the signs of it,' he demanded. He also accused the BJP of trying to topple his government by offering money and ministerial berths to NC legislators. 'Conscience of our legislators is not on a cheap sale,' he asserted.
Upcoming Protest at Jantar Mantar
The Chief Minister announced that the NC will hold a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on July 20, the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament. He invited all parties from Jammu and Kashmir to join the demonstration. 'Let the BJP convey that statehood is subject to the party's power in J&K, we will respond accordingly. The Centre needs to ask itself why are we forced to protest at Jantar Mantar,' he said.
Historical Context
The rally at Naseem Bagh was significant as it was the first massive gathering at the graveyard of party founders since 1990. Omar Abdullah also touched on the issue of Article 371, noting that the same party that removed Article 370 now wants special status under Article 371. He pointed out that Ladakh had opted for protest, implying that without agitation, nothing would be granted.
What Readers Should Know
- Omar Abdullah reiterated that the NC will not bow to pressure and will continue to demand statehood.
- The protest on July 20 is expected to see participation from multiple parties.
- The Centre has not yet responded to the allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Omar Abdullah make these remarks?
He spoke on July 11, 2026, at a workers' convention in Naseem Bagh, Srinagar.
What is the 'appropriate time' phrase Omar Abdullah referred to?
PM Modi and HM Amit Shah had said statehood would be restored at an 'appropriate time', but Omar says no signs of it have been given.
Why is the NC protesting at Jantar Mantar?
The party will hold a protest on July 20, 2026, demanding immediate restoration of statehood and constitutional rights.
What did Omar Abdullah say about delimitation?
He claimed delimitation was done to benefit BJP, as out of seven new seats in J&K, six were won by BJP.