Omar Abdullah's Push for Jammu and Kashmir Statehood Restoration: A Crucial Course Correction

In a significant political move, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has written to influential parties in Parliament, seeking their endorsement for a bill aimed at restoring Jammu and Kashmir's statehood during the Monsoon session. The region's statehood was rescinded in 2019, triggering extensive political discourse.

Abdullah urged 42 political party leaders, including Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, to view the restoration of statehood as an essential corrective measure, rather than a mere concession. He emphasized the negative implications of downgrading the state to a union territory, framing it as a dangerous political precedent.

Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's previous assurances and the Centre's commitment to the Supreme Court, Abdullah called for immediate action. He pointed to high voter turnout and recent events as pivotal opportunities to mend historical divisions and enhance national unity.

(With inputs from agencies.)