Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah says the restoration of the region’s special status tied to Article 370 depends on granting statehood. Responding to calls for Article 370 restoration without addressing statehood, Abdullah questions what Article 370 or related provisions would mean “without statehood,” linking statehood to power sharing and political functioning in the Union Territory. He frames statehood as the starting point for restoring special status.
Separately, Abdullah also addresses opposition participation in demonstrations linked to the Article 370 demand. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) declines an invitation to join a protest for Article 370 restoration, a development Abdullah notes while reaffirming that his party—the National Conference—remains committed to its stated promises. He adds that further party strategy and a program of activities will be decided soon.
Overall, the reports focus on Abdullah’s position that statehood is essential for any meaningful restoration of J&K’s special status, while also highlighting the current stance of at least one opposition party on protest participation.
