Omar Abdullah Criticizes Delay in J&K Statehood, Cites Ladakh’s ‘Betrayal’
SRINAGAR — Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has voiced his deep frustration over the unfulfilled promise of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), drawing a parallel to the growing discontent in Ladakh. In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Abdullah highlighted what he sees as a shared sense of betrayal among the people of the newly created Union Territories.
Abdullah’s post referenced the initial celebration in Ladakh in 2019 when it was granted Union Territory (UT) status, separate from J&K. He noted that while Ladakh was never promised statehood, its residents now “feel betrayed & angry.” He then contrasted this with the situation in J&K, where the promise of restored statehood, made by the central government, has yet to be fulfilled.
“Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly,” Abdullah wrote.
CM’s comments come amid persistent calls from various political groups in J&K for the restoration of statehood, a key demand following the August 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 and bifurcate the erstwhile state. The central government has previously stated that statehood will be restored at an “appropriate time,” but has not provided a clear timeline.
Abdullah’s statement underscores the ongoing political and emotional landscape in the region, where a sense of political uncertainty and a desire for democratic self-governance continue to dominate public discourse. His remarks also reflect a strategic alignment with Ladakh’s concerns, suggesting a common thread of unmet expectations in the region’s political transition.
Chief Minister’s strong words are a powerful reminder of the deep-seated yearning for political normalcy and the restoration of democratic rights in Jammu and Kashmir. The post has sparked debate, reigniting discussions about the future of the region and the commitments made by the central government.
