J&K assembly to debate statehood resolution amid amendment push

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah moved a resolution in the assembly on Friday seeking the restoration of statehood, positioning it as a continuation of the assembly's 2000 autonomy resolution. The development marks a significant step in the National Conference government's agenda following its assumption of power in the Union Territory.

Six National Conference legislators have tabled amendments to the resolution, seeking to incorporate specific references to Article 370 and Section 35A—constitutional provisions that were revoked in August 2019 when the Centre reorganised Jammu and Kashmir. The amendments reflect the concerns of NC legislators regarding the restoration of constitutional safeguards that previously governed the region.

The resolution is expected to be debated in the assembly, providing a forum for legislators to discuss the government's position on restoring statehood. The discussions will likely centre on the timing and mechanisms for such restoration, as well as the broader question of constitutional provisions that previously applied to the region.

The statehood issue has remained central to J&K politics since 2019, when the Centre downgraded the state to a Union Territory while simultaneously revoking special constitutional provisions. Abdullah's government has made the restoration of statehood a key policy objective, citing it as essential for restoring democratic institutions and local governance in the region.