J&K CM Omar Abdullah appeals for statehood restoration on PM's birthday

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has placed statehood restoration at the centre of his appeal to the national leadership, emphasizing it as the most critical need for the region. In remarks made on the occasion of the Prime Minister's birthday, Abdullah articulated the sentiment bluntly: "If nothing else, give us the Statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. What else do we need?"

The statement underscores the ongoing political significance of J&K's constitutional status among regional leaders. In August 2019, the central government revoked Article 370, which had granted special autonomy to Jammu and Kashmir, and downgraded the state to a union territory.

Abdullah, who leads the National Conference party, has been vocal about the reversal of pre-2019 arrangements since assuming office following assembly elections held in September 2024. The restoration of statehood remains a key demand of mainstream political parties in the region.

The appeal reflects the persistent political discourse in J&K regarding governance structures and administrative autonomy, with statehood restoration continuing to feature prominently in regional political discourse.