IIOJK Assembly Passes Omar Abdullah's Statehood Resolution Amid BJP Walkout

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a resolution moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah seeking the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory, after a prolonged and stormy debate.

The resolution, originally tabled by the Chief Minister on September 25, was adopted by a majority vote following amendments moved by National Conference legislators and other parties that incorporated references to earlier House resolutions on greater autonomy (June 26, 2000) and special status (November 6, 2024), as well as demands related to Articles 370 and 35A.

Bharatiya Janata Party legislators strongly opposed the move, raising slogans and occupying the well of the House during the discussion. The BJP eventually staged a walkout before the resolution was put to vote and passed. Congress members supported the resolution, with one leader accusing the BJP of “jingoism” and failing to fulfil promises on statehood.

Omar Abdullah had earlier described the demand as transcending party lines, stating that statehood “is about the entire Jammu and Kashmir” and recalling the Centre’s three-step process of delimitation, elections and restoration of statehood. He emphasised that the resolution was in addition to previous ones and specifically sought full statehood.

The resolution will now be forwarded to the Government of India. The House was adjourned after the day’s business and will reconvene on Tuesday.