Restore statehood, fulfil SC assurance: Omar to Centre

  • Umar Raina By Umar Raina
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  • 29 Sep 2025

Ganderbal, Sept 29: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday urged the Central Government to honour its commitment to restore statehood to the Union Territory, reminding New Delhi that the assurance was made not just to the people, but also to the Supreme Court. “Statehood is a promise, not just to the people but also to the Supreme Court. They have repeatedly said: first delimitation, then elections, and after that, statehood. Two steps are done. Now, the third must be fulfilled,” Abdullah told reporters in Ganderbal. He stressed that the delimitation exercise and conduct of elections have already been completed, leaving only the final and most critical step: the restoration of full statehood. “People have shown remarkable patience so far, but now it is time for the promise to be fulfilled,” he said. Reflecting on the experience of Ladakhpost its separation and designation as a Union Territory, Abdullah reiterated that his party had warned that the move would bring little benefit to the people of the region. “The people of Ladakh demanded UT status, but sadly, their lives have not improved under the new arrangement,” he remarked. Referring to the recent disturbances in Leh, the Chief minister said Jammu and Kashmir must not be allowed to descend into a similar situation. “We cannot allow conditions like those in Leh to take root here. We will never wish to see innocent people fall victim to violence,” he stated. Abdullah emphasised that statehood was not a gift, but a solemn assurance from the Government of India. “Our demand will continue because statehood is not a gift, it is a right and a commitment made by the Centre to the people, to the nation, and to the Supreme Court,” he added.  

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