Questions delay in restoring statehood after SC observation
Srinagar, Aug 15 — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday announced that the Jammu and Kashmir government will embark on an intensive eight-week signature campaign aimed at pressing for the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory. The move follows the Supreme Court’s latest observation on the matter, which has reignited political debate across the region.
Addressing the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium in Srinagar, Abdullah said his government would collect signatures from every district and corner of J&K, with the goal of submitting the compiled petitions to District Collectors and the Union government within the deadline set by the apex court.
He openly questioned whether the decision to restore statehood would be determined through India’s democratic institutions or be influenced by acts of terror and external pressures. Referring to the recent Pahalgam attack, he said, “The people of Jammu and Kashmir strongly condemned that incident. It is deeply unfair to use such tragedies as an excuse to deny our constitutional rights.”
The chief minister recalled his earlier tenure, pointing to the gradual erosion of J&K’s autonomy and decision-making powers. “We had our own identity, flag, constitution, and special status. Now, even statehood has been taken away. Cabinet decisions that should have been implemented were stalled or shelved without explanation. I never imagined such a day would come,” Abdullah remarked.
Despite these grievances, he described the restoration of an elected government in J&K as a significant achievement. “Better late than never — democracy has returned. The active role played by our citizens in the last elections made this possible. It is a moment we should all be proud of,” he said.
Omar Abdullah became the first elected chief minister in eight years to preside over the UT’s main Independence Day celebrations. The last chief minister to do so was Mehbooba Mufti in 2017. In the years that followed, the PDP-BJP coalition collapsed, Governor’s rule was imposed, and the region was reorganised into two Union Territories after the reading down of Article 370 in August 2019.
From 2018 to 2024, the Independence Day flag hoisting in Srinagar was carried out by Governors and later Lieutenant Governors. Friday’s event marked a symbolic return of the ceremony to an elected leader.
The chief minister unfurled the tricolour, took the salute at the ceremonial parade, and inspected contingents from the J&K Police, Central Armed Paramilitary Forces, and school children. He praised the resilience of the public in navigating years of political and administrative uncertainty.
In a gesture of solidarity, Abdullah cancelled the cultural programme usually associated with the celebrations as a mark of respect for victims of the devastating Kishtwar flash floods that claimed several lives on Thursday.
He concluded by reiterating his government’s commitment to restoring statehood, ensuring accountability, and safeguarding the democratic aspirations of the people. “We will not rest until our voice is heard in every hall of power,” Abdullah declared.
