Omar Abdullah Reaffirms Commitment to Restore J&K’s Rights on Seventh Anniversary of Article 370 Abrogation
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Wednesday reaffirmed his party’s commitment to seeking the restoration of the rights that, according to the NC, were taken away following the abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019.
Marking the seventh anniversary of the constitutional changes, Abdullah said the National Conference has neither forgotten nor accepted the present situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Omar Abdullah’s Message
In a post on X, Omar Abdullah wrote:
“Seven years, we haven’t forgotten and we haven’t reconciled, far less accepted our current circumstances.”
He added:
“My party and I remain committed to reversing all that was done to J&K that took away our rights and threatens our identity.”
Abdullah concluded his message with a quote from Robert Frost’s poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening:
“The woods are lovely, dark & deep. But I have promises to keep. And miles to go before I sleep…”
National Conference Holds Protest
To mark the anniversary, the ruling National Conference organised a protest in Srinagar, reiterating its demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status.
The demonstration was led by Minister Sakina Itoo, with several NC leaders, MLAs and party workers participating.
Protesters assembled at the party headquarters, Nawa-i-Subah, carrying placards demanding the restoration of Article 370 and the constitutional position that existed before August 2019.
Police Stop March
The protesters attempted to march out of the party headquarters towards the city.
However, police personnel stopped the procession outside the office complex, preventing it from moving further.
The protest remained peaceful, with party leaders raising slogans in support of their demands.
Political Background
On 5 August 2019, the Union Government revoked the special status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir by abrogating Article 370 and reorganised the region into the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The decision continues to remain one of the most debated political issues in the region.
The National Conference has consistently maintained that it will pursue the restoration of constitutional rights through democratic and legal means, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has defended the 2019 decision, saying it strengthened national integration, improved governance and accelerated development.
Suggested Graphics
Graphic 1: Omar Abdullah’s Key Message
- đ Seventh anniversary of Article 370 abrogation
- đď¸ NC says it has not accepted the post-2019 situation
- đ Reiterates demand for restoration of J&K’s rights
- đď¸ Pledges to continue democratic and constitutional struggle
Graphic 2: Protest at a Glance
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Occasion | Seventh anniversary of Article 370 abrogation |
| Organised by | National Conference |
| Location | Nawa-i-Subah, Srinagar |
| Led by | Minister Sakina Itoo |
| Demand | Restoration of Article 370 and constitutional rights |
| Outcome | March stopped by police |
