Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday moved a resolution in the Legislative Assembly seeking the immediate restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory, leading to protests by BJP legislators over the inclusion of a reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution.The resolution was tabled after Question Hour and called on the Government of India to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without further delay. The development comes amid continued political debate over the restoration of statehood, which has remained a key demand of the Omar Abdullah-led National Conference government.Key HighlightsOmar Abdullah moved a resolution seeking restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.The resolution was introduced in the J&K Legislative Assembly after Question Hour.BJP legislators objected to the reference to the 2000 autonomy resolution.The 2000 autonomy resolution was passed by the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.Restoration of statehood remains a major political issue in J&K.The National Conference government has previously adopted a resolution seeking restoration of statehood.Omar Abdullah Seeks Restoration of J&K StatehoodOmar Abdullah's resolution calls for Jammu and Kashmir to regain full statehood. The demand comes after the region was reorganised as a Union Territory in 2019.The National Conference government has repeatedly raised the issue of statehood with the Centre. In its first Cabinet meeting after coming to power, the government adopted a resolution seeking restoration of statehood.Abdullah has also previously said that several issues remain between the J&K government and the Centre, including statehood and administrative arrangements.Why Did BJP Legislators Object?BJP members immediately objected when the resolution referred to the 2000 autonomy resolution. The resolution passed by the erstwhile J&K Assembly in 2000 had called for greater autonomy for the region.The autonomy issue has a separate political and constitutional history from the current demand for restoration of statehood. The 2000 resolution has previously been cited in discussions on Jammu and Kashmir's political status and constitutional arrangements.The reference became a point of contention during the Assembly proceedings, with BJP legislators protesting against its inclusion.J&K Statehood DemandRestoration of statehood has remained a central issue in Jammu and Kashmir politics since the region was reorganised in 2019.The National Conference's 2024 election manifesto had also promised to strive for restoration of statehood along with other constitutional demands. After forming the government, however, the party focused its immediate legislative demand on restoration of statehood.The BJP has also publicly stated that statehood should be restored at an appropriate time, while its leaders have challenged the J&K government's approach to the issue.The latest Assembly development therefore adds another chapter to the ongoing political debate over Jammu and Kashmir's status and the scope of powers available to its elected government.
