Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah addresses a press conference, in Srinagar. (PTI photo) NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that statehood was the “foundation” for restoring the Union territory’s special status.The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had declined an invitation from Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) to join a protest in Delhi, saying the demonstration should have focused on the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir before it was revoked by the Modi government in August 2019.”Some people tell us to talk about (restoration of) Article 370 and J-K’s special status first… I want to ask them what does Article 370 or 371 mean without statehood?” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar, without naming PDP president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.”Whatever special status J&K would have, be it under Article 370 or anything else, the point is how to share the powers between the Centre and J&K. There is no sharing of powers between the Centre and a UT because a UT does not have any powers. All powers of a UT lie either with the Centre or the Lok Bhavan. All Cabinet decisions go to Lok Bhavan first,” the chief minister said.Abdullah described statehood as the foundation for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.”Where is the state list without the statehood? It is all Union list. That is why we say that to reach there, we have to lay a foundation, then we can build a building on that,” he added.Abdullah further stated that the NC had not forgotten the issue of special status.”We passed the resolution (on special status) on the first day of the assembly session after government formation. It (resolution) is still alive. This resolution can be discussed only after we have statehood,” he said.He also assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the party remained committed to the promises it had made.”I assure my people we stand by our promises and will remain steadfast. A new strategy and programme will soon be decided by the party leadership,” the chief minister added.(With PTI inputs)Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Calls NEET Leak A ‘Ghor Paap’, Says 13 Accused Arrested As Probe Intensifies’They Are Beating Everyone…’ Inside CJP Protest: Police Action, Clashes & Tear Gas In DelhiFarmers Mobilise To Protest Against India–US Trade Talks, Security Posed At Delhi BordersExplained: Why India Wants To Rewrite The Indus Waters Treaty?Inside The JP Nadda-CJP Talks: The Story Behind The Missing Demand LetterDelhi Police Examine 250+ Videos To Identify Suspects After CJP Protest Injures Over 118 PersonnelFact Check: Northern Railway Says Viral Stone-Pelting Video Does Not Show India’s Hydrogen TrainSikkim Tunnel Collapse: 8 Dead, Over 18 Feared Trapped As Methane Gas Leak Hampers Rescue OperationsIndia Condemns Russian Missile Strike On Cargo Ship After Four Indian Seafarers KilledNTA Calls Viral NEET-UG OMR Sheets Fake, Warns Of Strict Legal Action123Photostories‘The Odyssey’ cast then vs now: From debut roles in the industry to starring in Christopher Nolan’s films5 iconic monuments around the world designed by women that every traveller should know aboutHow to make pumpkin seed oil for hair growth at home: Benefits, recipe, and does it really work?Why you should roast potatoes with this everyday ingredient4 of India’s smallest venomous snakes travellers should know aboutKriti Sanon serves British aristocrat energy in sharp Vivienne Westwood outfit at London’s iconic Lord’s cricket groundSmall kitchen? These 8 UK-style space-saving pantry ideas are perfect for your home10 richest districts of India and no Mumbai is not on top; and why every traveller should visit themJanhvi Kapoor turns heads at India vs England cricket match in a brown pinstripe Ralph Lauren suit12 foods that accidentally changed history123Hot PicksMMU ET 2026 resultPNB LBO RecruitmentEl NiñoE20 petrolSonam WangchukCBI Funds ManagementHimachal school holidayDCET Round 1 option entryPune rapeTop TrendingWWE Raw HighlightsAbhijeet DipkeDelhi Cylinder BlastIndia US Trade DealDelhi Farmers ProtestPune Student Sexual AssaultSBI Funds ManagementDiljit DosanjhTripura DGP DeathIND U19 vs Sri Lanka U19
NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that statehood was the “foundation” for restoring the Union territory’s special status.The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had declined an invitation from Abdullah’s National Conference (NC) to join a protest in Delhi, saying the demonstration should have focused on the restoration of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir before it was revoked by the Modi government in August 2019.“Some people tell us to talk about (restoration of) Article 370 and J-K’s special status first… I want to ask them what does Article 370 or 371 mean without statehood?” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar, without naming PDP president and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.“Whatever special status J&K would have, be it under Article 370 or anything else, the point is how to share the powers between the Centre and J&K. There is no sharing of powers between the Centre and a UT because a UT does not have any powers. All powers of a UT lie either with the Centre or the Lok Bhavan. All Cabinet decisions go to Lok Bhavan first,” the chief minister said.Abdullah described statehood as the foundation for restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.“Where is the state list without the statehood? It is all Union list. That is why we say that to reach there, we have to lay a foundation, then we can build a building on that,” he added.Abdullah further stated that the NC had not forgotten the issue of special status.“We passed the resolution (on special status) on the first day of the assembly session after government formation. It (resolution) is still alive. This resolution can be discussed only after we have statehood,” he said.He also assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the party remained committed to the promises it had made.“I assure my people we stand by our promises and will remain steadfast. A new strategy and programme will soon be decided by the party leadership,” the chief minister added.(With PTI inputs)
