Farooq Abdullah presses for restoration of Statehood to J&K

National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah, who is likely to attend a meeting of the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament in New Delhi, on Friday (July 18, 2025) pressed for the restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

“Statehood is our right, not a favour. Jammu and Kashmir has been deprived of its democratic and constitutional rights far too long. Restoration of full Statehood is vital to uphold the dignity, identity, and autonomy of the region,” Dr. Abdullah told reporters in Budgam.

For strengthening democratic processes and accountability, Dr. Abdullah said the restoration of Statehood was not merely a political necessity, but a moral obligation that must be fulfilled without delay.

He also praised the move of the Congress to write to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and demand immediate restoration of Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

“I congratulate [Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun] Kharge and [Leader of the Opposition, Lok Sabha] Rahul [Gandhi] who raised the issue with the Prime Minister,” Dr. Abdullah said.

He is likely to attend the meeting of the INDIA bloc scheduled for July 19. “This issue [Statehood] will be raised there,” the NC chief added.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Minister and prominent tribal leader Javed Ahmed Rana also urged the Centre to restore Statehood in the upcoming Parliament session.

“The restoration of Statehood is long overdue, particularly after the completion of delimitation and elections. The Prime Minister and the Home Minister told the Parliament, and the government made a statement before the Supreme Court to restore Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest. It is imperative for the Union government to act swiftly and take concrete steps to revive Jammu and Kashmir’s lost glory,” Mr. Rana said.