Bengaluru, Aug 1 (UNI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday vowed to intensify the agitation for restoration of statehood, asserting that the Centre must honour the commitment it made repeatedly in Parliament and before the Supreme Court, while describing the protest at Jantar Mantar as only the beginning of a sustained campaign.
Addressing reporters in the sidelines of IIMBues IIIMBAA Leadership Conclave 2026, Omar said the demand for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood would be pursued both in the union Territory and in the national capital until the promise was fulfilled.
“This is only the beginning. We knew that a one-day protest at Jantar Mantar would not bring back statehood. The movement will continue in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in Delhi because we are asking only for what was promised to us,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the Centre had assured, on multiple occasions, including before Parliament and the Supreme Court, that Jammu and Kashmir would regain statehood.
“We are merely reminding the Central government to fulfil its commitment,” he said.
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s reported assurance that no action would be taken against students involved in recent Delhi protests, Omar said governments must stand by their word.
“If the government has promised that there will be no action against these children, then that promise should be honoured. Wherever FIRs have been registered, they should be withdrawn,” he said.
He, however, pointed out that law and order is a state subject and implementation rests with state governments.
“The Prime Minister has said what he had to say, but it is for the states to implement it. Most of these states are governed by the BJP. Their Chief Ministers should stop registering FIRs. If the Chief Ministers of the Prime Minister’s own party do not follow his assurance, then what is the value of that assurance?” he asked.
He, however, did not address the Delhi Police action of filing FIRs against nearly 1,000 participants, among whom 101 were accused in murder cases.
Earlier, Omar described the recent terror attack on migrant workers in Jammu and Kashmir as an “inhuman act”, saying the victims had come to the Valley only to earn an honest livelihood.
“No amount of financial assistance can compensate for their loss or lessen the pain of their families. The relief being provided is only a small gesture of support during their difficult time,” he said.
Commenting on the paper leak controversy, Omar said Parliament should function to enable discussion on important issues and expressed hope that the questions raised by Opposition MPs would receive answers in the coming days.
