National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi remains committed to restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on the issue, Abdullah said that the Prime Minister had assured Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the promise made by the central government regarding statehood restoration would be fulfilled.
The demand for the restoration of statehood has remained a significant political issue in Jammu and Kashmir since the region was reorganized into a Union Territory in August 2019. Since then, several political parties, including the National Conference, have consistently called for the return of full statehood.
According to Farooq Abdullah, the assurance from the Prime Minister reflects the Centre's acknowledgment of its earlier commitment. He stated that the National Conference is waiting for the government to take concrete steps toward implementing the promise. Abdullah emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are keenly awaiting clarity on the timeline and process for restoring statehood.
The National Conference has maintained that the restoration of statehood is essential for strengthening democratic governance and ensuring greater administrative autonomy in the region. Party leaders have repeatedly argued that statehood would help address governance challenges and improve public participation in decision making.
Farooq Abdullah also indicated that the National Conference intends to continue pressing the issue through democratic and constitutional means. As part of its efforts, the party is planning to raise the demand during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. Leaders of the party are expected to participate in protests and political activities in New Delhi to draw attention to the issue and seek progress from the central government.
The question of Jammu and Kashmir's political status has remained a subject of discussion at both regional and national levels. Various political groups have expressed differing views on the pace and process of restoring statehood. While the central government has previously stated that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time, opposition parties and regional leaders have sought a clearer roadmap.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has also highlighted the importance of statehood restoration in recent public statements. The issue remains one of the key priorities of the elected government in Jammu and Kashmir.
Political observers note that any move toward restoring statehood would have significant administrative and political implications for the region. It is expected to influence governance structures, legislative authority, and the relationship between the Union Territory administration and the central government.
As discussions continue, political parties and residents of Jammu and Kashmir remain focused on the Centre's next steps. The National Conference has stated that it will continue engaging with stakeholders and advocating for the restoration of statehood through peaceful and democratic channels.
The development has once again brought the issue of Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional and political future into national focus, with attention now turning to any future announcements or policy decisions by the central government.