Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday, 15 June confirmed that the National Conference (NC)-led government's plan to press for statehood restoration remains fully intact, with party legislators set to demonstrate at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an official function in Srinagar, Abdullah said the protests are intended to remind the Centre of commitments made before the Supreme Court, in Parliament, and at public forums.

What Omar Abdullah Said

'There is no change in our plan. We will raise the issue and go to Delhi to register our message at Jantar Mantar. The promise made to the people in the Supreme Court, Parliament and public forums must be honoured,' Omar Abdullah said.

He added that National Conference leaders will travel to Delhi during the Monsoon Session specifically to press the demand and keep the issue in public and parliamentary focus. The Chief Minister framed the demonstrations not as confrontation but as a constitutional reminder to the Centre.

What Was Discussed With PM Modi

Referring to a recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Abdullah said the discussions covered three broad areas: statehood restoration, Jammu and Kashmir's financial position, and ways to accelerate ongoing development works. 'I hope people will benefit from these discussions,' he said, signalling cautious optimism without announcing any breakthrough.

Reservation File Awaiting Cabinet Clearance

On the pending reservation proposal, Abdullah said the matter is currently awaiting Cabinet approval after the Centre sought certain clarifications. He explained that the Cabinet Sub-Committee report had been approved and forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor, who referred it to Delhi. Replies to the Centre's queries have since been prepared, and a Cabinet meeting is expected shortly to formally clear the response.

Amarnath Yatra and Muharram Preparations

The Chief Minister also addressed two upcoming events requiring administrative attention. On Muharram, he said the administration has been reviewing arrangements for over a month to ensure smooth observance. On the Amarnath Yatra, Abdullah extended a welcome to pilgrims and expressed hope for a peaceful and successful pilgrimage. 'We welcome all pilgrims and hope the Yatra concludes safely,' he said.

Background: The Jantar Mantar Decision

The protest plan was formalised at a seven-hour meeting of ruling National Conference legislators and Members of Parliament held at Dachigam National Park. At that meeting, the party resolved that its elected representatives would stage a demonstration at Jantar Mantar on the first day of Parliament's Monsoon Session, demanding statehood and the restoration of constitutional guarantees to Jammu and Kashmir. The territory was stripped of its special status and divided into two Union Territories in August 2019 — a decision the Supreme Court subsequently upheld while noting that statehood restoration remained a matter for the Centre to decide. The NC, which won the 2024 Assembly elections, has made statehood restoration its primary political demand since assuming office.