Srinagar, April 15, 2025 – Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah declared Tuesday that “the appropriate time has come” to restore statehood, pressing the Centre to deliver on its 2019 promise after the region’s special status was revoked. Speaking in the J&K Assembly, the National Conference (NC) leader said polls and peace prove the region’s ready, per NDTV.
Abdullah’s call follows his October 2024 swearing-in, with NC’s 42 seats dominating the 90-member House (The Indian Express). “We’ve held elections, voters spoke—statehood’s the next step,” he said, citing reduced militancy—46 terror attacks in 2023, down from 228 in 2018 (The Hindu). Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s April 7 assurance of “timely restoration” during a Srinagar visit keeps hope alive, but no firm date rankles (Times of India). X buzzes—“Omar’s pushing hard!”—yet some scoff: “Centre’s stalling again” (post:2).
The 2019 Reorganisation Act split J&K into two Union Territories, slashing its powers—Abdullah wants elected control back, like pre-2019 (India Today). His deputy, Surinder Choudhary, echoed, “Statehood’s our right” (NDTV). But tensions simmer—Shah’s visit saw NC protest the Waqf Amendment Act, fearing Muslim land grabs (The Economic Times). J&K’s 1.3 crore people—68% Muslim—crave normalcy; 2024’s 58% poll turnout screams intent (ECI). Still, 132 active terrorists linger (MHA, 2024).
For India, it’s a trust test—PM Modi’s “Viksit Bharat” hinges on J&K’s stability (Business Standard). Will Delhi deliver, or keep Omar waiting?
