Srinagar, August 25, 2025 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday expressed hope that the Supreme Court will fix a timeline for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory when it hears the matter in October.
The apex court earlier in the day refused to advance the hearing on pleas related to statehood, noting that the case is already listed for October 10.
“We also want that there should be no delay in this decision. Our government has been pursuing the restoration of statehood from day one,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.
He recalled that the first resolution passed by his cabinet sought the return of statehood, which he personally handed over to the Prime Minister during their first meeting. “Unfortunately, there has been no progress. Since the Centre has not taken a decision, we are hopeful the Supreme Court will,” he said.
The chief minister pointed out that the Assembly elections in J&K were held only after the Supreme Court set a deadline. “Perhaps I would not have been here as chief minister if the SC had not directed elections. I hope it now fixes a deadline on statehood as well,” Abdullah added.
Responding to PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti’s protest seeking transfer of J&K prisoners from outside jails, Abdullah said the issue can only be resolved in Delhi. “These are matters of security, decided by the Home Ministry. Protests in Srinagar won’t change anything. She should raise the matter directly with the Home Minister, as we did,” he remarked.
On his Independence Day announcement of a signature campaign to push for statehood, the CM said the initiative is underway. “Once completed, we will present it to both the Centre and the Supreme Court,” he said.
