Omar Abdullah Voices Hope and Scepticism Over J&K Statehood Restoration Timeline
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah articulated a blend of hope and scepticism on Tuesday, responding to Union Law Minister Arjun Meghwal's statement that a decision on restoring statehood to the Union territory would be announced "soon". Meghwal cited an assurance by Home Minister Amit Shah in Parliament, but Omar emphasised the growing impatience after one-and-a-half years of waiting since his elected government took office.
Growing Impatience Over Prolonged Delay
Speaking to reporters, Omar Abdullah stated, "One-and-a-half years have passed since an elected government assumed office and we are still waiting. We hope we will not have to wait much longer." He added that patience was wearing thin, noting, "We will not be satisfied till we get it. The process is underway but it is taking far too long." The Chief Minister confirmed that his government remains in continuous engagement with the Centre to push for the restoration.
Meghwal's Assurance and the Constitutional Context
After a function at Srinagar's Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, Arjun Meghwal described statehood as "an important" and "very sensitive" question. He remarked, "When the Union home minister has said in Parliament that you will get this right, then you will get it," indicating that a process was underway. This push comes nearly six years after the Centre abrogated Article 370 on August 5, 2019, splitting the former state into two Union territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Supreme Court's Directive and Omar's Persistent Advocacy
On December 11, 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the abrogation of Article 370 while urging that Jammu and Kashmir's statehood be restored "as soon as possible". Omar Abdullah, who took office on October 16, 2024, has repeatedly raised the issue. On August 16 last year, he wrote to the BJP and other political parties, urging Parliament to bring a bill to restore statehood. In his letter, he cautioned that the restoration must not be viewed as a concession, warning against a precedent where statehood becomes "a discretionary favour".
Broader Implications for Democratic Values
Omar Abdullah highlighted that the delay carries significant implications for the country's constitutional values and democratic ethos. He cited the reduction of Jammu and Kashmir's status in 2019 and the prolonged wait for reversal as critical concerns. The ongoing discussions underscore the complex political and legal landscape surrounding the statehood issue, with stakeholders closely monitoring developments as the Centre navigates this sensitive matter.
