'Whatever Was Snatched From Us Should Be Returned': CM Omar Abdullah Renews Demand For J&K Statehood, Special Status | Video

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir - On the 80th Independence Day, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his demand for the restoration of special status and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing the main Independence Day function at Bakshi Stadium, Abdullah reminded the audience that if the region's unique status under Article 370 had not been revoked in 2019, the people of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) would be protesting to reunite with Jammu and Kashmir.

He paid tribute to the National Conference leaders who, 80 years ago, took the historic decision to accede to India, stating that the decision taken by our leaders for us 80 years ago was the right one. Abdullah expressed concern over the current situation in PoK and reiterated India's commitment to treating its people there as its own citizens.

He emphasized that seats reserved for representatives from PoK in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly are a step towards fulfilling the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives for the region. The chief minister strongly advocated for honouring the legacy of martyrs by restoring Jammu and Kashmir's original constitutional guarantees, statehood, and special status, which he believes are crucial for upholding the nation's federal structure and renewing the spirit of Indian democracy.