Omar Abdullah Demands Restoration of Article 370 in Occupied Kashmir

National Conference leader Omar Abdullah has reiterated his demand for the restoration of Article 370, emphasizing that his party remains committed to reclaiming Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. This statement comes after the National Conference won 42 seats in the recent elections and formed an alliance with Congress, giving them a combined total of 48 seats, paving the way for the formation of a new government.

In an interview with foreign media, Omar Abdullah said, “This is not the assembly we are entitled to; it’s a temporary one, and through this assembly, we will work our way to the rightful assembly.” He stated that once a government is formed, the first resolution in the cabinet would be to push for the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

Acknowledging the challenges, Abdullah remarked that the restoration of Article 370 seems unlikely under the current BJP government. “It would be naive to expect those who took away our rights to return them willingly. The BJP won’t remain in power forever; there will come a time when the government changes, and we will be able to engage in dialogue with new leadership,” he added.

Omar Abdullah expressed optimism about the restoration of statehood, saying that his party is hopeful and ready for the day when this right will be returned.

Commenting on the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting, Abdullah welcomed the visit of the Indian Foreign Minister to Pakistan, describing it as a positive step. “It is a small, but much-needed step in the right direction, aimed at improving bilateral relations between the two nations,” he said.