In a significant political statement, Omar Abdullah, Vice President of the National Conference (NC), announced on Wednesday, October 9, that the Congress-NC government in Jammu and Kashmir will prioritize the restoration of statehood. Abdullah promised that a resolution pressing for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood would be passed in the government?s first cabinet meeting.

"After the formation of the government, I hope in the first cabinet meeting, the cabinet will pass a resolution impressing upon the Centre to restore the statehood. The government should then take that resolution to the prime minister," Abdullah was quoted saying by the Press Trust of India (PTI).

Abdullah emphasized that while the delimitation process and elections have been completed, the critical step of restoring statehood remains. "Delimitation has happened, the elections have now taken place as well. So, only the statehood remains which should be restored," he reiterated.

Highlighting the promise made by central leadership, Abdullah pointed out, "We have been promised the restoration of statehood by the prime minister, the home minister, and other senior ministers who have said that three steps will be taken in J-K ? delimitation, election, and then statehood."

"Difference Between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir"

Addressing the situation in comparison to the national capital, Abdullah remarked, "There is a difference between us and Delhi. Delhi was never a state. No one promised Delhi a statehood. Jammu and Kashmir was a state before 2019."

Jammu and Kashmir's status as a state was revoked in August 2019 when the central government abrogated Article 370, which provided the region with special status. Subsequently, the state was bifurcated into two union territories: Jammu and Kashmir with a retained legislature, and Ladakh, which was made a separate union territory.

Election Results and Future Outlook

In the recently concluded elections, the Congress-National Conference alliance secured 42 out of the 90 assembly seats, positioning them to form the government. Abdullah, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, is widely expected to reclaim the top post.

This announcement has brought renewed hope for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who have been awaiting the restoration of statehood since the 2019 decision. All eyes are now on the upcoming cabinet meeting to see if this promise will be fulfilled.