Key Facts
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on Monday (June 15, 2026) that ruling National Conference (NC) legislators will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the first day of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. The protest aims to demand the restoration of statehood for the Union Territory.
Speaking in Srinagar alongside Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Mr. Abdullah said, “At the beginning of the Monsoon Session, we will remind the Centre of the promise made to the people of J&K regarding Statehood. We will convey our message to the nation at Jantar Mantar.”
Details of the Statehood Demand
Mr. Abdullah referred to his recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi, stating, “I discussed the (restoration of) Statehood with PM Modi besides J&K’s financial position and developmental priorities.” He emphasized that the NC government would continue pursuing statehood “through all democratic and constitutional means.”
Reservation Policy Controversy
On the reservation front, Mr. Abdullah addressed the concerns of general category aspirants. He explained that the Centre had sought clarifications on the reservation report prepared by the J&K Cabinet Sub-Committee, which was forwarded to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. “The department concerned has prepared replies to all the clarifications sought by the Centre. The response has been ready for the last two to three days,” Mr. Abdullah said, adding that the Cabinet would meet shortly to approve it before sending it back to the Centre.
His remarks came after a press conference by general-category students in Budgam. Student leader Sahil Parray said, “The reservation file has seen more offices than resolutions. Students are still waiting. We are suffering.” Parray has been advocating for a “rationalisation” of the reservation quota.
Impact on Students and Job Seekers
During the period of Central rule in J&K, a new reservation policy was framed that increased the quota for Scheduled Tribes to 20% by including Paharis, and raised the OBC quota to 8%. Currently, the total reserved category quota in J&K has risen to 60-70%, leaving less than 30-40% seats in educational institutes and government jobs under the open category. This has sparked discontent among general category students and job seekers.
What Readers Should Know
- The protest at Jantar Mantar is scheduled for the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
- The statehood demand is a key promise made by the Centre after the abrogation of Article 370.
- The reservation issue remains unresolved, with the government preparing to send its response to the Centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Omar Abdullah protesting at Jantar Mantar?
Omar Abdullah and NC MLAs will protest on the first day of the Monsoon Session to remind the Centre of its promise to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the current reservation issue in J&K?
The Centre sought clarifications on a reservation report prepared by the J&K Cabinet Sub-Committee. The government has prepared replies and will send them back after Cabinet approval.
How much reservation exists in J&K currently?
Reserved category quota has risen to 60-70%, leaving only 30-40% seats for the open category in education and government jobs.