# Omar Abdullah renews call for J&K statehood and special status

2026-08-15T08:56:22+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah renewed his demand for the restoration of special status, constitutional guarantees and statehood in his Independence Day speech in Srinagar. He said people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir might have protested to reunite with J&K if Article 370 had not been changed in 2019. Abdullah said India considers them its own people and that seats remain vacant for their representatives in the J&K Assembly. He also defended the 1947 decision to accede to India and recalled National Conference members who fought tribal invaders. Abdullah linked federalism to state autonomy, criticising centralised examinations such as NEET and JEE. NDTV reports that dozens have been killed and scores jailed during protests in PoK over democratic rights.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com <https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/independence-day-2026-pok-would-have-joined-jammu-and-kashmir-if-omar-abdullahs-statehood-pitch-11913607#publisher=newsstand>
- rediff.com <https://www.rediff.com/news/report/pok-people-wouldve-joined-india-before-2019-omar-on-independence-day/20260815.htm>
- thefederal.com <https://thefederal.com/category/states/north/jammu-and-kashmir/pojk-may-have-protested-to-reconnect-with-jk-without-article-370-abrogation-omar-abdullah-253641>

Tags: Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir
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