National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah has announced that a signature campaign, initiated by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, will be launched to advocate for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Farooq Abdullah described the campaign as a “vigorous” effort.
The campaign comes in response to a recent observation by the Supreme Court. A bench led by Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai noted that the “ground situation” in the region, including “incidents like Pahalgam,” must be considered when deciding on the restoration of statehood.
During his Independence Day speech at Bakshi Stadium, Omar Abdullah declared that over the next eight weeks, they will go “door to door in all 90 assembly segments” to collect signatures. He stated, “If people are not ready to sign the document, I will accept defeat.”
When asked if the Chief Minister’s speech was a stern message, Farooq Abdullah agreed, affirming that a “clear message has been sent.”
Reflecting on his attendance at the Independence Day function after several years, the former Chief Minister shared that he felt a mix of emotions—both happiness and sadness. He explained that his tears were for the loss of Article 370 and Article 35A, which had previously defined Jammu and Kashmir as a state.
Farooq Abdullah also spoke about the tragic Kishtwar cloudburst, stating that the number of people trapped under the debris might be as high as 1,000, according to local DDC chairman. He described the situation as a “moment of sadness.”
