CM Omar Abdullah Hopeful J&K Will Regain Statehood, Challenges Waqf Act in Supreme Court
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed optimism on Tuesday about the region regaining its status as a state. Speaking to reporters, Abdullah said, “I am hopeful that Jammu and Kashmir will regain the status of a state,” adding that he had a positive meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah during his recent visit to the region.
In August 2019, the Indian government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, revoked Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which had granted Jammu and Kashmir special status. The move also led to the bifurcation of the region into two Union Territories—Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
Abdullah’s remarks came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit to Jammu and Kashmir, where he chaired a high-level security review meeting to assess the law and order situation in the region.
In addition to his comments on statehood, Abdullah also addressed the National Conference’s petition filed in the Supreme Court challenging the new Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, which came into force on April 8. “We have approached the Supreme Court. We will see what the court decides on it,” he said.
The Act has sparked concerns among various groups, leading to multiple petitions in the Supreme Court. Along with the National Conference, several prominent political and social organizations—including All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), Congress MPs, AAP MLA, and several other political leaders and organizations—have raised issues with the Act, questioning its implications on the region’s governance and religious institutions.
