In a significant political statement, National Conference (NC) leader and former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that he remains hopeful about the early restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. His remarks came during a press interaction after inaugurating a crucial bridge in Pulwama district, which reconnects South Kashmir to the spiritual town of Chrar-e-Sharief.

"We think the appropriate time has come, six months have passed after the assembly elections. (Union Home Minister Amit) Shah came here, I had a separate meeting with him, a good one ... I am still hopeful that JK will soon get its statehood back," Abdullah stated confidently.

His statement is being viewed as a positive political signal, especially as discussions about restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood — which was revoked on August 5, 2019, following the abrogation of Article 370 — have intensified in political circles and public discourse alike.

Clarification on the Waqf Amendment Act and Assembly Chaos

Abdullah also addressed the controversy regarding the Waqf Amendment Act during the Assembly session. Opposition parties, including his own, had accused the ruling party of not allowing discussion on the issue. However, Abdullah clarified that an adjournment motion was mistakenly submitted, which could not have been admitted because the Waqf Bill was passed by Parliament, not the J&K Legislative Assembly.

He explained, "The Speaker made everything clear on the last day. Perhaps, the mistake by the members was that they brought an adjournment motion. An adjournment motion is only brought to discuss the works of the JK government because the government has to respond."

He further suggested that a resolution under a different rule might have been more appropriate to discuss the topic.

"Now, we will see what the Supreme Court says," he said, referring to the ongoing legal challenge to the Act filed by various parties, including the NC, in the apex court.

Bridge Inauguration Marks a Long-Awaited Milestone

While his comments on political developments drew attention, the core purpose of his Pulwama visit was the inauguration of a bridge that holds both strategic and symbolic significance for the region.

The bridge connects Chrar-e-Sharief to South Kashmir and was washed away during the catastrophic floods of 2014. It took eleven years for it to be reconstructed and made functional again, a delay Abdullah called “unfortunate.”

"It is unfortunate that this took a long time to rebuild. This bridge was washed away in 2014 floods and it has taken 11 years to rebuild it. I think this bridge was destined to be thrown open by us only. This bridge plays an important role in connecting South Kashmir with Chrar-e-Sharief," he said.

Political Implications of Abdullah’s Statements

The remarks made by Omar Abdullah are being seen as part of a broader dialogue that has been developing in recent months regarding Jammu and Kashmir's political future. Since the conduct of Assembly elections, there has been growing pressure on the Centre from regional leaders and civil society to restore full statehood to J&K.

His meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah and the positive tone of the dialogue may signal behind-the-scenes movement towards a more autonomous administrative structure for the region, albeit within the constitutional framework of the Indian Union.

Omar Abdullah’s optimism reflects an underlying sentiment among the political class and a growing public demand for statehood restoration, which many see as a necessary step for ensuring long-term peace, development, and democratic accountability in the region.

National Conference’s Stance and Legal Strategy

The National Conference, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah and his father Farooq Abdullah, has maintained a consistent stand on the restoration of special status and statehood for J&K. While the former may still be tied up in constitutional and legal battles, the demand for statehood restoration appears to be gaining mainstream acceptance.

By filing petitions in the Supreme Court and engaging in direct dialogue with central leaders, the NC is pursuing a dual strategy of legal activism and political engagement.

"Many parties including National Conference have moved to the Supreme Court and put forth their views before the apex court. Now, we will see what the SC says," Omar reiterated.

The Bigger Picture: Statehood as a Political Milestone

For many citizens of Jammu and Kashmir, the return to statehood is not just a political issue but a symbolic restoration of identity and dignity. It is also linked to access to local governance, increased job creation, and decentralized policy-making — things that have been perceived to be compromised under the Union Territory structure.

As such, Omar Abdullah’s statement is not just political rhetoric — it’s a message of hope and assurance for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Conclusion: A Turning Point for Jammu and Kashmir?

The political winds in Jammu and Kashmir may be shifting once again. Omar Abdullah’s recent assertions combined with public and institutional pressure could push the Centre towards reconsidering its stance on statehood restoration.

With legal battles ongoing, political consultations intensifying, and infrastructure projects like the bridge in Pulwama reaching completion, the people of Jammu and Kashmir may indeed be inching closer to a renewed era of governance — one where their voice, through an elected state assembly, will shape their future once again.

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