New Delhi, August 15, 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah used his Independence Day address in Srinagar to highlight the contrasting situations in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), linking the developments across the Line of Control to Kashmir’s political history. His remarks also brought the restoration of J&K’s statehood and constitutional guarantees, revoked in August 2019, back into focus.

Addressing the gathering, Abdullah said the people of PoK would have risen to seek reintegration with Jammu and Kashmir if the Centre had not scrapped J&K’s special status and statehood in 2019. He said the situation in PoK had vindicated the decision of Kashmiris who resisted Pakistani tribal raiders in 1947 and chose to become part of India. Recalling the role of his grandfather and J&K’s first Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, he said Kashmiris had fought against the raiders even before the Indian Army reached the Valley.

“When I see the situation across the border, I realise that our ancestors who said 'hamlavar khabardar, hum Kashmiri hain tayyar' (attackers beware, we Kashmiris are prepared) were right,” he said. “I am pained to see the situation in PoK. I'm sure that today the people of PoK would have risen for their reintegration into Jammu and Kashmir, if J&K's statehood and special status had not been scrapped in 2019,” Abdullah said. He added, “We have kept seats vacant in the Assembly for the other side in the hope that someday these will be filled.”

The remarks drew a sharp response from the BJP. J&K Assembly Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma said, “It's an irresponsible statement from the chief minister. He is indulging in politics on this national day when we should celebrate our flag. He should have used this occasion to talk about his performance and future plans, but unfortunately he used it for politics.” Abdullah, meanwhile, reiterated his government’s commitment to restoring statehood and constitutional guarantees. “Our government is committed to struggle for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, and to put Jammu and Kashmir on the path of development. We will work to fulfil these goals,” he said, underlining the political priorities of his administration.