JAMMU AND KASHMIR ASSEMBLY PASSES RESOLUTION SEEKING IMMEDIATE RESTORATION OF FULL STATEHOOD

September 29, 2026

The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on September 28 passed a resolution calling for the immediate and urgent restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory. The resolution was moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and is to be forwarded to the Government of India.

The resolution was adopted by voice vote after BJP legislators, who had opposed the measure during the proceedings, walked out before the vote. The BJP objected particularly to references in the resolution to earlier Assembly resolutions, including the 2000 autonomy resolution and a 2024 resolution concerning Jammu and Kashmir's special status.

Several legislators had proposed amendments seeking references to Articles 370 and 35A and Jammu and Kashmir's earlier constitutional arrangements. These amendments were subsequently withdrawn, while the final resolution focused on the restoration of full statehood.

During the debate, Abdullah argued that the restoration of statehood had been repeatedly promised and questioned the continued uncertainty over when the Centre would act. He also referred to the Supreme Court's 2023 judgment and its direction concerning the restoration of statehood after elections.

The resolution has intensified political differences inside the Assembly over Jammu and Kashmir's constitutional and administrative status. On September 29, BJP legislators also submitted a motion seeking the removal of Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, alleging that the resolution had been allowed in violation of procedural rules.