Farooq Abdullah Demands Restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's Statehood

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah has issued a strong call for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, stating it as a constitutional right rather than a concession. He addressed NC workers in Pulwama, south Kashmir, on Wednesday, emphasizing the overdue promise made by the ruling government.

Abdullah urged a swift return to full democratic authority, underscoring that statehood is the people's entitlement. The former chief minister criticized the current union territory status, likening its governance framework to attempting to fly a kite without wind, thus highlighting its limitations.

He assured party followers that the National Conference is prioritizing these governance challenges and reiterated the importance of cultural and geographical intricacies inherent within Jammu and Kashmir, which he feels cannot be administered effectively as a union territory.

(With inputs from agencies.)