Omar Abdullah Criticizes Central Government for Suppressing Protests in Jammu and Kashmir
Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has accused the central government of suppressing protests by the National Conference demanding the restoration of statehood. He insists that this suppression will not hinder their campaign for dignity and self-governance. Abdullah highlighted the ongoing struggle for constitutional rights and emphasized that their movement has just begun. Despite facing restrictions, the National Conference remains committed to their goals. The delay in restoring statehood has raised concerns about national interests, as leaders call for action to resolve the uncertainty affecting the region. This article delves into the recent protests and the political implications surrounding Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.
Jul 20, 2026, 15:33 IST
Protests for Statehood in Jammu and Kashmir
On Monday, Omar Abdullah, the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, accused the central government of suppressing protests organized by the National Conference demanding the restoration of the state's status. He asserted that this action would not deter their campaign for dignity and self-governance, emphasizing that the movement to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and constitutional rights has only just begun. Abdullah shared his thoughts on the challenges faced during the protests in a post on X.
Abdullah stated that they were prevented from peacefully protesting at Jantar Mantar for their rightful claims, but their voices could not be silenced. He remarked that the struggle for statehood, their rights, dignity, and everything taken from them is just beginning. Previously, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference had staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to demand the restoration of statehood. Despite facing restrictions while trying to reach the protest site, party leaders affirmed that their movement continues, focusing on their constitutional objectives.
During a conversation with a news media outlet, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference MLA Hasnain Masoodi emphasized that the delay in restoring statehood harms national interests. He stated that the protest aims to address the current uncertainty. He reminded that the promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood was made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court, yet no action has been taken for over a year and a half. They have shown patience for a year, but now they are here to raise the issue of ongoing uncertainty, which is not in the interest of the country or its people.
On Saturday, Jammu and Kashmir's Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Chaudhary mentioned that the purpose of the National Conference's protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 was to remind the central government of its promise to restore the state's status. He noted that during the 2024 elections, both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that statehood would be restored after the elections. However, twenty-one months have passed, and they have waited patiently, hoping for the day when the Prime Minister and Home Minister will fulfill their promise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.