Jammu, Mar 6 – Asserting that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have an undeniable right to discuss Article 370, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday accused certain elements of attempting to “intimidate, threaten, and silence” voices that continue to advocate for the region’s constitutional and political rights. He made these remarks while winding up the discussion on the motion of thanks to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s address in the Assembly.
Reiterating his firm stand on the restoration of J&K’s statehood, Abdullah said the downgrading of the erstwhile state into a Union Territory was a direct blow to its dignity and autonomy. “I am not fighting for statehood for my own benefit—this fight is for Jammu and Kashmir. The aspirations of our people can only be realized when full statehood is restored. There are things that need to be changed, and that can only happen with the rightful return of our statehood,” he asserted.
Referring to the demand raised by Peoples Conference legislator Sajad Gani Lone for an Assembly resolution on statehood instead of merely passing it in a cabinet meeting, Abdullah said the decision to avoid a formal resolution was deliberate, as there was already widespread support for the demand among legislators.
“Our dignity was stripped away with the downgrading of J&K to a Union Territory. If any member wishes to bring a resolution on this matter, they are free to do so, and we will stand behind it,” he stated, underlining that the fight for statehood is grounded in truth, justice, and legal rights.
Abdullah made a strong declaration that his party, the National Conference (NC), will not be deterred by any threats or pressure tactics. Without naming anyone specifically, he alleged that attempts were being made to suppress voices advocating for J&K’s rights.
“We are witnessing efforts to silence us through threats and intimidation. But let it be clear—we will not be silenced. Our struggle for statehood, dignity, development, and communal harmony will continue undeterred,” he said.
Taking a dig at Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma’s remarks that discussing Article 370 was a “waste of time,” Abdullah countered by pointing out that it was, in fact, BJP members who frequently brought up the scrapped constitutional provision.
“Don’t tell me that the Supreme Court’s verdict has permanently sealed the fate of Article 370. Judicial decisions have been reviewed in the past, governments change, and political landscapes shift. You hold onto your belief that it won’t return, and we will continue to hold onto our belief that it will,” he remarked.
He reaffirmed that the National Conference will not give up on its commitment to the cause, stating emphatically, “You cannot take away our right to talk about Article 370.”
The Centre abrogated Article 370 in August 2019, revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and bifurcating it into two Union Territories. While the Supreme Court upheld the move in December 2023, regional parties, including the National Conference, continue to call for its restoration, vowing to pursue all political and legal avenues available.