NC Threatens Delhi Protest Over Delay in Jammu and Kashmir Statehood Restoration

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Saturday warned that the ruling National Conference (NC) would stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi if the Centre fails to fulfil its commitment to restore statehood to the Union Territory.

Speaking to reporters, Choudhary said restoration of statehood was the central resolution adopted during the party's recent meeting in Dachigam and would remain its foremost political agenda. He said the Centre had assured the people that statehood would be restored after Assembly elections, but the promise remains pending.

The deputy chief minister argued that the delay has affected development, employment opportunities and funding , with Jammu and Kashmir continuing to function as a Union Territory rather than a full-fledged state. He said unemployment and deficiencies in basic services remain key concerns.

The demand for statehood has remained one of the most significant political issues in Jammu and Kashmir since the 2019 reorganisation , when the former state was bifurcated into two Union Territories following the abrogation of Article 370. Regional parties, particularly the National Conference, have consistently maintained that restoring statehood is essential for strengthening democratic governance and administrative autonomy.

The Centre has repeatedly stated that statehood will be restored at an appropriate time after the democratic process is completed. The assurance was also placed before the Supreme Court, which noted the Union government's commitment while delivering its verdict on petitions challenging the 2019 constitutional changes.

Choudhary said the proposed Delhi protest is part of a roadmap prepared by Farooq Abdullah and would seek support from opposition parties, turning the statehood issue into a broader national political debate.