National Conference Protests in Delhi Demanding Restoration of Jammu & Kashmir's Rights and Statehood

New Delhi, India Jul 21, 2026 ALN: Dr Farooq, Omar lead protest march; party says ‘commitments made by Centre must be honoured’

Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (NC) organized a significant protest in the national capital on Monday, advocating for the restoration of the rights, dignity, and statehood of the people of Jammu & Kashmir. This demonstration is part of a broader movement by the NC to urge the Central Government to fulfill commitments made to the region's residents, which they argue have been overlooked since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

The abrogation of Article 370 marked a pivotal moment in the history of Jammu & Kashmir, as it revoked the special status that had granted the region a degree of autonomy since 1949. Following this decision, the region was reorganized into two Union Territories: Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The political landscape in the region has since been marked by unrest, with many residents and political leaders arguing that the move was unconstitutional and undermined the rights of the people.

In addition to the protest in New Delhi, similar demonstrations were held at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha Complex in Srinagar, Sher-i-Kashmir Bhawan in Jammu, and across various districts in Jammu & Kashmir. Local party leaders, office-bearers, and workers participated in large numbers, emphasizing the demand for the restoration of constitutional rights and full statehood.

The protest in New Delhi was led by National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah and included prominent figures such as Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament from both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, MLAs, senior party leaders, and representatives from the Youth and Women’s Wings. The presence of such a diverse group of party leaders underscores the significance of this issue within the NC and its commitment to advocating for the people of Jammu & Kashmir.

During the protest, Delhi Police imposed restrictions on demonstrators and utilized tear gas to disperse the crowd. Protesters carried placards with messages demanding the restoration of their rights and dignity, the reinstatement of statehood, and the fulfillment of commitments made by the Central Government. These actions reflect the heightened tensions surrounding the issue and the government's response to dissent in the capital.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah articulated the purpose of the protest, stating that it was a call for the restoration of the rights, dignity, and honor of the people of Jammu & Kashmir, along with a demand for full statehood. He emphasized the need for the Central Government to honor promises made by the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister, which he noted were made publicly before Parliament, the Supreme Court, and the people of Jammu & Kashmir. His remarks highlight the ongoing frustration among regional leaders regarding the perceived neglect of their demands.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment that even peaceful protests were being met with resistance. He remarked that the party had intended to stage a peaceful sit-in at Jantar Mantar, a significant location for political demonstrations in New Delhi, to remind the Central Government of its commitments made in Parliament and before the Supreme Court regarding the restoration of statehood following Assembly elections. His comments underscore the ongoing struggle for the political representation and rights of Jammu & Kashmir residents.

Omar Abdullah also referenced the Supreme Court's directive that statehood should be restored at the earliest opportunity. He challenged the government to clarify its intentions regarding compliance with the Court’s observations, criticizing the vague assurances that statehood would be restored at an "appropriate time" without a clear definition of what that meant. This ambiguity has led to increased frustration among the people of Jammu & Kashmir, who feel their concerns are often marginalized due to their geographic and political distance from the national center.

Furthermore, Omar Abdullah pointed out that Jammu & Kashmir's unique position often results in its issues receiving inadequate national attention. This reality has compelled the National Conference to organize protests in New Delhi, where they believe their voices can be heard more clearly by the Central Government. Despite facing police restrictions and the use of tear gas, the National Conference remains resolute in pursuing its demands through peaceful and democratic means, reflecting their commitment to non-violent advocacy.

In a parallel demonstration, a separate program in support of the restoration of rights and statehood for the people of Jammu & Kashmir was held at the National Conference Headquarters in Srinagar. Chaired by Srinagar District President Pir Afaq Ahmad, the event attracted party office-bearers, workers, and individuals from various walks of life. This gathering exemplifies the local support for the National Conference’s demands and the widespread desire for political change in the region.

As the program concluded, participants organized a peaceful protest march in support of their demands. However, the march was impeded by a heavy deployment of police and security personnel, who prevented the procession from proceeding along its designated route. This incident illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by political movements in Jammu & Kashmir, where governmental responses to dissent can often escalate tensions rather than facilitate dialogue.

The protests by the National Conference reflect a broader sentiment among the people of Jammu & Kashmir regarding their political rights and the need for statehood. As the region continues to navigate the complexities of its relationship with the Central Government, the calls for restoration of rights and dignity are likely to persist. The implications of these protests extend beyond the immediate demands, as they highlight the ongoing struggle for political representation, autonomy, and the recognition of the unique identity of Jammu & Kashmir within the Indian Union.