Statehood Is Dignity, Not Politics

Srinagar, 27 June 2025:

Omar Abdullah, the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, has reaffirmed that the demand for full statehood is essentially about giving the people of the region their dignity, identity, and local self governance, and that it goes far beyond electoral advantage. 

Speaking to reporters on June 26 at a National Cadet Corps event in the cantonment of Badami Bagh, Abdullah said: “Statehood is not merely a political demand; it is about the emotional and cultural identity of the people…We want the discussions to conclude soon and bring the outcome the people of Jammu and Kashmir desire”  

Abdullah, who became the Union Territory's Chief Minister in October of last year, emphasized that if it aids in reestablishing statehood, the government is willing to hold new elections, including dissolving the Legislative Assembly. "Let them hold new elections if they are necessary to restore statehood.Its restoration won't be hampered by the MLA. "I have no attachment to my chair," Abdullah declared firmly earlier in the week in Gulmarg. Who has stopped them? Let them do it. "Don't try to scare us, statehood is our right and give it back to us," he warned those spreading such narratives, dismissing media reports that suggested MLAs were being intimidated. It won't work, so stop putting stories in newspapers.

Additionally, Abdullah mentioned continuing talks with the Union government. He clarified that discussions about regaining statehood are still ongoing and mentioned that the matter was formally tabled at the most recent NITI Aayog meeting in New Delhi. “If you were to take out the formal speech circulated at the NITI Aayog meeting, you will find a categorical mention for the return of statehood in that…The conversation is ongoing.”  

With a total of ₹10,637 crore approved for important road and tunnel schemes, essential components to enhance connectivity and strengthen the case for statehood. Abdullah stated that infrastructure projects are moving forward concurrently. Abdullah's steadfast stance, according to political analysts, highlights a larger plan to restore Jammu and Kashmir's full political status while proving that the public's demand cuts across party lines. Abdullah wants to change the focus from his own aspirations to the rights of others by claiming that his position is expendable. 

As the area awaits a final settlement, CM Abdullah's remarks are an appeal to the Center to keep its word and grant Jammu and Kashmir full statehood, not just as a political pledge but also out of respect and self determination for its citizens.