Omar Abdullah: Statehood Promise Still Unmet Seven Years After Article 370 Revocation

The abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019 revoked the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, leading to its reorganisation into two union territories. Seven years on, former chief minister Omar Abdullah has reiterated that the long‑promised statehood for the region has not materialised. He said the central government’s assurances on a future statehood referendum have yet to be fulfilled, citing a lack of concrete steps and timelines. Abdullah’s remarks come amid growing frustration among local leaders who argue that the promise of statehood was a key part of the political settlement that led to the abrogation. The statement underscores the continuing political impasse over Jammu and Kashmir’s status.