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Nearly a year after the National Conference returned to power in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has made a strong case for the immediate restoration of full statehood, asserting that it is a rightful demand, not a favour. In an interview with PTI, Abdullah made it clear that the party was examining every possible route — including legal options — to push for the return of statehood.

‘Statehood Was Promised in Parliament and to the Supreme Court’: Omar Abdullah

Describing statehood as a constitutional entitlement, Omar Abdullah said, “Statehood is the right, it was promised to the people. So, we’re not asking for it. It’s not something that is out of the ordinary or was not part of the public discourse.” He criticised the delay despite repeated assurances from the Centre, including on the floor of Parliament and before the apex court.

Without divulging details of his private conversations with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, the National Conference leader confirmed that the issue had been taken up “multiple times at multiple levels”. “Conversations that have been individually had between myself, the Prime Minister, Home Minister, etc. are not conversations that are meant to be shared,” he told PTI, adding, “Rest assured, this issue of statehood and other issues concerning J&K have been taken up multiple times at multiple levels.”

Abdullah defended his working relationship with the central government, stating, “As far as enjoying a good relationship is concerned, I don’t see why that is something that should invite so much commentary.”

‘Hybrid System Not Acceptable, No Precedent in India’: Omar Abdullah

Rejecting reports of a proposed “hybrid” governance model where law and order would remain under the Union government’s control even after the restoration of statehood, Abdullah declared, “This hybrid system is not acceptable.”

“There is no such model in this country. And why are people speculating? The people who are planting this are the same people who were planting that elections will not happen. Or elections should not happen,” he said, taking aim at detractors who previously doubted the Assembly elections in the Union territory, which witnessed over 64 per cent turnout.

The J&K Chief Minister also questioned the spread of terror since his party demitted office in January 2015, referring to the recent deadly attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 people, mostly tourists, dead. “In my time, we had reduced it virtually to two to two-and-a-half districts. Today, there is hardly a district in the Valley and a large part of Jammu that is not affected,” he said, arguing that elected governments have managed the security situation better than the current Union Territory arrangement.

‘Do It in UP, Maharashtra’: Omar Abdullah Questions Union Territory Model in J&K

Abdullah pointed out the flawed nature of the present governance structure, highlighting that if such a model was indeed effective, it should be implemented in other large states as well. “If this is the best form of governance… Please do it in UP. Do it in Maharashtra. Do it in Chhattisgarh. Do it in all the Northeast states. Do it in Madhya Pradesh,” he said, questioning the selective imposition of the Union Territory model on J&K.

While he acknowledged that “a complete disaster has been averted so far”, Abdullah raised concerns about accountability under a dual power structure. “This model of governance does not work,” he concluded, expressing hope for a swift resolution of the pending “business rules” through ongoing dialogue with the Centre.

‘If Pakistan’s Intent Is Inimical...’: J&K CM Omar Says Removal Of Article 370 Didn't Stop Terror 

Abdullah also addressed the issue of continued militancy in the region, blaming Pakistan for maintaining hostile intent and stressing that the revocation of Article 370 had failed to deter terrorism. “No matter what we do, if Pakistan’s intent is inimical, then we will never fully achieve a terror-free Jammu and Kashmir. And I think Pahalgam has proven that,” he said.

“The BJP tried very hard to sell this narrative that terror in Jammu and Kashmir was the result of Article 370. We know that's not true. Terror in Jammu and Kashmir is the result of Pakistan's intentions. And therefore, that's why the removal of Article 370 did not stop terror in Jammu and Kashmir,” he added.

He further warned Islamabad to reconsider its approach given India’s current stance. “Given now the sort of very low bar that the Government of India has set, that any attack will be seen as an act of war, Pakistan needs to seriously think about whether it wants to plunge the neighbourhood into a war.”

Omar Asks Modi Govt To Fix Responsibility for Pahalgam ‘Security Lapse’

On the Pahalgam tragedy, Abdullah appreciated Lt Governor Manoj Sinha’s acceptance of responsibility but insisted that it was “not good enough”. “26 people died. 26 innocent people were brutally murdered. Where were the lapses?” he asked, urging the fixing of accountability further down the chain.

Describing the attack as a wake-up call, he said, “This Pahalgam incident brought two nations, two nuclear powers to war.”

Despite the setback, Abdullah expressed optimism about reviving tourism in the region — a key pillar of the local economy. “Tourism is an important part of JK’s economy,” he said, adding that the government was actively participating in promotional events across the country to draw visitors back.

Regarding the ongoing security audits of popular destinations, he confirmed, “Not that it should be done, it was being done… and those have gradually started to be reopened.”

He added that tourist spots being closed was “an anomaly”, noting, “Even in the worst of days, tourist destinations were not closed.” Calling for a “considered decision” post-Amarnath Yatra, he said, “We need to sort of take a considered decision, and post-Amarnath Yatra, start reopening all the closed areas.”