Farooq Abdullah to Centre: “Restore J&K Statehood or We’ll See You in Court”
Let’s be honest—this was coming. National Conference chief Farooq Abdullah just drew a line in the sand, telling the Centre in no uncertain terms that if Jammu and Kashmir doesn’t get its statehood back soon, they’re taking this fight to the Supreme Court. And trust me, this isn’t just political noise. After four years of waiting since Article 370 was scrapped, people here are running out of patience.
Abdullah’s Straight Talk
“We’ll go to the Supreme Court if statehood is delayed further,” Farooq saab said the other day. No diplomatic jargon, no maybes. Just a clear warning shot across the bow. What’s really got people talking is how he called it a “betrayal of trust”—strong words from a man who’s seen it all in J&K politics. The National Conference isn’t playing games here. They’re framing this as more than politics—it’s about constitutional rights, plain and simple.
How Did We Get Here?
Remember August 2019? When Article 370 got revoked, the Centre promised statehood would come back “at the appropriate time.” Well, four years is a long time to wait for “appropriate.” They’ve said it in Parliament, they’ve said it in press conferences—but where’s the action? It’s like waiting for rain in a drought. And now? The delay’s turning into fuel for resentment. Even neutral observers are saying the BJP might be playing the long game here, keeping this card up their sleeve for elections.
Court Battle Ahead?
Here’s the thing—if this goes to court, it could get interesting. Legal eagles are saying the National Conference might argue that keeping J&K as a UT for this long goes against the spirit of the Constitution. But it’s not just about law books. This would land right in the middle of election season. Talk about timing. And in Kashmir? People are watching this like a test—does Delhi really mean what it says?
Other Players Weigh In
The BJP’s response? Typical. They’re calling it “political drama.” But the PDP? They’re quietly nodding along, though they won’t say it too loud. And on the ground? You talk to shopkeepers in Lal Chowk or students in Jammu, and the frustration’s real. One civil society guy put it well: “Every day without statehood feels like another brick in the wall between us and Delhi.”
Why Statehood Matters
Look, Article 370 was always more than legal text—it was part of how Kashmiris saw their place in India. When it went away, and we became a UT overnight? That stung. Restoring statehood isn’t just about administrative boxes to check. It’s about dignity. About feeling like we’re equal partners in this country. And right now? The Centre’s hesitation is keeping old wounds open.
What Happens Next?
So here we are. The ball’s in Delhi’s court—do they act now, or wait for the Supreme Court to force their hand? Either way, this decision will echo for decades. The smart money says they’ll drag their feet till after elections. But with Farooq Abdullah’s warning? The clock’s ticking louder than ever.
One thing’s clear—this isn’t going away. Whether through courts or streets, Kashmir’s statehood question is coming to a head. And when it does? Buckle up. It’s going to be a bumpy ride.
Source: Hindustan Times – India News
