Omar Abdullah Meets Amit Shah in Delhi: Discusses Restoration of J&K Statehood

In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi today. The meeting, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, was described by officials as a courtesy call during which Abdullah apprised Shah of the current situation in Jammu and Kashmir. A key point of discussion was the early restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. This meeting marks Abdullah’s official visit to the national capital. His National Conference party secured a significant victory in the recent assembly elections, winning 42 out of 90 seats. In his inaugural cabinet meeting, a resolution was adopted urging the central government to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood to its original form. This move is seen as essential for initiating a healing process, reinstating constitutional rights, and protecting the distinct identity of the region’s residents. Following his meeting with Shah, Abdullah is expected to engage with other central leaders, including a likely meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to further advocate for the reinstatement of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. The restoration of statehood has been a prominent demand among various political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir. Abdullah has previously emphasized that the current dual governance model in the Union Territory is a “recipe for disaster” and has urged the central government to restore statehood. As the situation develops, stakeholders and observers alike are keenly watching the central government’s response to these renewed calls for statehood restoration.