Omar Abdullah, the vice-president of the National Conference (NC) and a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has asserted that the restoration of statehood is the fundamental prerequisite for any meaningful discussion on reinstating the region’s special status. His remarks came a day after the NC organized a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, advocating for the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah characterized the Delhi protest as the commencement of an ongoing political campaign. He directly addressed criticism from opposition parties, who have suggested that the NC should have prioritized the demand for the restoration of Article 370. “They tell us to bring back Article 370. I ask the educated people among them, what is the meaning of Article 370 without a state? What is the meaning of Article 371 without a state?” Abdullah questioned, as reported by The Tribune. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that Abdullah’s argument centers on the practical implications of special status within the framework of a Union Territory.
Abdullah elaborated that any debate concerning the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status would be significant only after statehood is re-established. He explained that the distribution of powers between the central government and Jammu and Kashmir, which is the essence of special status, cannot exist between the Centre and a Union Territory. In a Union Territory, all powers are vested either with the Centre or the Lieutenant Governor, leaving no independent powers for the territory itself. This absence of inherent powers, he argued, renders the State List, which delineates subjects under the purview of a state government, effectively meaningless. “So where is the State List without a state? Everything becomes part of the Union List. That is why we say we must first lay the foundation. Only then can we build the structure,” Abdullah stated.
The NC vice-president maintained that the party has not wavered from its commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. He pointed to the fact that his government had passed a resolution on this issue on the inaugural day of an Assembly session. “That resolution is still alive. It can only be taken forward after we have statehood,” he affirmed, assuring the people of the party’s continued dedication to its promises. He reiterated that the protest in the national capital was merely the initial phase of the party’s broader campaign. “I have said repeatedly that this is the beginning, not the end. The movement will continue. Under the leadership of Dr Farooq Abdullah, we will decide our future course of action. There will be more programmes, not only in Delhi but also across Jammu and Kashmir,” Abdullah declared.
Abdullah further emphasized the NC’s resolve to persistently remind the central government of its prior assurances regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “We are firm in reminding the Government of India of the promise it made. We hope that sooner rather than later, Jammu and Kashmir will once again get the status of a state,” he said. He also expressed disappointment with opposition parties that declined to participate in the NC’s protest, opting instead to criticize the initiative. “Not only did they stay away, but they also made every attempt to belittle our efforts,” Abdullah remarked. He conveyed his sadness that some entities identifying as sympathizers of the people of Jammu and Kashmir appeared to abandon their support at such a critical juncture. “Instead of standing together on an issue that concerns the rights of the people, they chose to mock our efforts,” he added.
The political discourse surrounding Jammu and Kashmir’s status has intensified following the abrogation of Article 370 and the reorganization of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories in August 2019. The demand for the restoration of statehood has been a consistent theme in the region’s political landscape, with various parties and groups advocating for its return. The NC’s recent protest in Delhi underscores the ongoing efforts to pressure the central government on this issue. The party’s strategy, as articulated by Abdullah, prioritizes the re-establishment of statehood as the foundational step before addressing the specifics of special status, be it under the erstwhile Article 370 or through alternative constitutional provisions.
The constitutional implications of a Union Territory’s governance structure, as highlighted by Abdullah, are significant. Unlike states, Union Territories have a more direct administrative control from the central government, with limited autonomy. The Lieutenant Governor, appointed by the President, often holds substantial executive powers, and the legislative assembly, where one exists, may have its powers curtailed. This contrasts sharply with the powers vested in a state government, which includes control over subjects listed in the State List of the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution. The absence of statehood, therefore, fundamentally alters the power dynamics and governance framework, making the restoration of statehood a critical demand for parties seeking greater self-rule and a return to the pre-2019 constitutional arrangement.
The NC’s commitment to this cause is further evidenced by its past actions, including the resolution passed in the Assembly. The party’s leadership, including Dr. Farooq Abdullah, is expected to guide the future course of action, which may involve further demonstrations and political outreach both within Jammu and Kashmir and at the national level. The party aims to keep the issue of statehood on the national agenda, urging the central government to fulfill its promises. The criticism directed at opposition parties for their perceived lack of solidarity reflects the deep divisions and differing strategies employed by political actors in the region regarding the path forward for Jammu and Kashmir’s political future.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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