Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Farooq Abdullah Says Centre Lacks Seriousness on J-K Statehood Restoration
Farooq Abdullah said the central government is not acting seriously enough to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Statehood would mean the region returning from a Union Territory to a state.
Jammu and Kashmir’s legislative assembly recently passed a resolution asking for this change.
Abdullah said the Union Territory system makes it harder for the elected government to help people.
He mentioned jobs, development, reservations and support for daily-wagers as areas facing difficulties.
He also said some young people remain in jail and that others face problems getting official verifications.
Abdullah said the region’s former special status is still important to many people.
He argued that restoring statehood would help address these concerns.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah accused the Centre of lacking seriousness about restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
He said the Union Territory system was obstructing public-interest measures, including employment and development efforts.
His comments followed the legislative assembly’s resolution urging the Centre to immediately restore full statehood.
Abdullah said Jammu and Kashmir’s pre-August 5, 2019 special status remained extremely close to residents’ hearts.
He also raised concerns about jailed Kashmiri youth, verification delays, and difficulties faced by employees, traders, farmers and others.
- Who
- National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and the Jammu and Kashmir legislative assembly.
- What
- Abdullah accused the Centre of not being serious about restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and linked statehood restoration to resolving public grievances.
- When
- Wednesday, September 30; the article does not specify the year.
- Where
- Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Why
- Abdullah said the Union Territory system was obstructing employment, development, administration and efforts to address public grievances.
- Main speaker
- Farooq Abdullah, president of the National Conference
- Demand
- Immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir
- Assembly action
- The legislative assembly passed a resolution urging the Centre to restore statehood
- Special status
- Abdullah said the status held before August 5, 2019, remained extremely close to the people
- Reported obstacles
- The Union Territory system was described as hindering employment, development and grievance resolution
- Other concerns
- Jailed youth and delays in passport, employment and other verification processes