Omar Abdullah has written to all national political parties, urging them to support the restoration of Jammu & Kashmir’s statehood during the current Monsoon Session of Parliament. In his letter dated July 29, the J&K Chief Minister called the move an “essential course correction,” not a political concession. He warned that the fundamental concept of India is undermined when sovereignty is treated as a favour.
Despite high voting turnout and recent anti-terror unity, J&K is still struggling to recover full sovereignty, which is why he made this request. Abdullah’s letter has rekindled national discussion over the boundaries of central authority, with federalism at stake.
Not a Concession, But a Constitutional Duty
In his three-page letter, Abdullah firmly rejected the idea that restoring J&K’s statehood would be a political gift. He called it a constitutional necessity. “The restoration must not be viewed as a concession, but as an essential course correction,” he wrote.
He warned that reducing statehood to the discretion of the Centre strikes at the core of Indian democracy. If this continues, he said, India risks sliding into a space where states no longer enjoy protected constitutional status.
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Downgrading Sets a Dangerous Precedent
Omar Abdullah reminded national leaders that turning a state into a Union Territory creates a dangerous precedent. “It is a constitutional red line—one that must never be crossed,” the letter read.
He argued that federalism rests on the dignity, autonomy, and existence of states. Once the Union assumes the right to downgrade states, even temporarily, it creates lasting institutional uncertainty.
People Have Shown Faith—Now It’s Time for the Centre
Abdullah noted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have responded with democratic maturity. They participated in recent elections in large numbers and stood united against terrorism after the Pahalgam attack.
He called these moments “extraordinary opportunities” to reinforce national unity. However, he said the Centre has ignored these moments due to “narrow partisan calculations.” According to him, that failure risks becoming a historic mistake.
Centre’s Promises Ring Hollow
Abdullah recalled the Centre’s repeated commitments to restore statehood. He handed the state assembly’s resolution to Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year and received assurances. But nine months later, there is no timeline or visible progress.
He cited PM Modi’s public promise—calling it “Modi ka Wada”—as well as the government’s commitment before the Supreme Court. Yet, Abdullah pointed out, “at the earliest” cannot stretch into years or decades.
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Federalism at a Crossroads
Omar Abdullah’s letter goes beyond regional grievances. It brings up important issues regarding the federal future of India.
By pointing out the constitutional risks of such downgrades, Omar Abdullah is warning not only J&K but all states. His appeal shifts the focus from a local issue to a national constitutional dilemma.
Time for Action, Not Delay
Omar Abdullah concluded with urgency, “The people of J&K have already waited long enough—statehood must be restored now,” he wrote. His letter is a direct challenge to Parliament and the Centre: Will they act on promises, or continue deferring justice?
This is not about political favour. It’s about protecting the federal spine of the Indian Constitution. And as Omar Abdullah warns, the time for excuses is over.
