The National Conference (NC) has intensified its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, staging a significant show of strength at a grand workers’ convention in Srinagar. This event, held on the 26th death anniversary of party founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s wife, Begum Akbar Jehan, at her mausoleum in Hazratbal, signals a more assertive stance against the central government ahead of a planned protest in Delhi on July 20. Hundreds of party workers from across the Kashmir Valley converged for the convention, underscoring the party’s mobilization efforts.
The gathering comes at a critical juncture for the Omar Abdullah-led administration, which faces internal pressure and opposition criticism regarding the protracted delay in reinstating Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and the perceived limitations on the elected government’s decision-making powers due to a dual governance structure. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that the central government has consistently maintained that statehood would be re-established at an “appropriate time” following the Assembly elections. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, since assuming office in October 2024, had initially adopted a strategy of engagement with the Union Government, hoping for a resolution through dialogue.
However, with no tangible progress on the statehood issue, the National Conference has escalated its efforts, launching outreach programs throughout Jammu and Kashmir to garner public support. The party has extended invitations to leaders of other political parties within the Union Territory and its allies in the INDIA bloc to join the planned protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. This demonstration is scheduled to coincide with the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, marking a direct confrontation with the Centre since the NC returned to power.
Speeches delivered at the convention, following prayers for Begum Akbar Jehan, were predominantly focused on the demand for statehood. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah issued a strong appeal to the central government, cautioning against misinterpreting the public’s patience as a sign of weakness. He urged all political factions in Jammu and Kashmir to set aside their differences and participate in the July 20 protest. In a sharp critique of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Omar Abdullah also alleged concerted efforts to undermine and divide the National Conference, representing the party’s most forceful political offensive against the Union Government since its inception.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah echoed these sentiments, accusing the Centre of failing to uphold its commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Recalling a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on June 24, 2021, Farooq Abdullah stated that he had then highlighted the existing trust deficit between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. He questioned the Prime Minister’s assurance that this gap would be bridged, noting the lack of subsequent progress. Farooq Abdullah emphasized the dignity and respect owed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, describing them as the “crown of India, and not its shoes.” He appealed to the Prime Minister to peacefully restore this respect.
Farooq Abdullah further stated that despite promises made by the Centre regarding the restoration of statehood, these commitments had unfortunately not been met. Nevertheless, he asserted that the party had not lost courage and would not do so. Both Farooq and Omar Abdullah expressed gratitude to the party workers for their substantial turnout, acknowledging the considerable distances many had traveled from remote areas of the Valley. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also requested prayers for the swift recovery of senior NC leader Mustafa Kamal, who was unable to attend the convention due to ongoing medical treatment.
The convention served as a platform to consolidate party cadres and articulate a unified demand for the restoration of full statehood. The NC leadership has consistently argued that the current administrative structure, established after the constitutional changes of August 2019, has diminished the region’s autonomy and hindered effective governance. The party’s strategy now appears to be shifting from dialogue to public demonstration, aiming to exert greater pressure on the Union Government through a visible display of political will and public backing. The upcoming protest in Delhi is expected to be a key indicator of the NC’s ability to mobilize support beyond the Union Territory and to garner solidarity from its political allies.
The demand for statehood is deeply intertwined with the broader political aspirations of Jammu and Kashmir. For many, the restoration of statehood represents a crucial step towards regaining a sense of self-governance and dignity. The National Conference has positioned itself as the primary advocate for this cause, seeking to leverage public sentiment and political alliances to achieve its objective. The party’s leadership has been actively engaging with various stakeholders, including civil society groups and other political parties, to build a consensus around their demand. The convention in Srinagar was a clear manifestation of this concerted effort to galvanize support and project a united front.
The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir remains complex, with differing perspectives on the path forward. However, the National Conference’s assertive posture and its planned protest in Delhi underscore the persistent demand for the restoration of statehood. The coming weeks will likely witness heightened political activity as the party gears up for its demonstration, aiming to make its voice heard on a national stage. The response from the central government and the participation of allied political parties will be closely watched as the situation evolves.
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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