Ahead of a massive rally in New Delhi demanding the restoration of Jammu‑Kashmir’s statehood, the ruling National Conference has invited senior leaders from the INDIA alliance and local clerics. CM Omar Abdullah frames the protest as a defence of India’s federal spirit.

Key Takeaways

  • National Conference plans a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar on the first day of the monsoon session.
  • 52 senior figures from the INDIA bloc, J&K parties and religious leaders have been invited.
  • The rally aims to pressure the Centre to reinstate J&K statehood and constitutional guarantees under Articles 370 and 35A.

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on July 11 that his party will stage a demonstration in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session, demanding the restoration of statehood and the constitutional guarantees that were revoked in 2019. The protest is scheduled for the first day of the session, which begins on August 1, at Jantar Mantar.

Broad Invitation List Signals a Nationwide Coalition

The National Conference (NC) has extended invitations to 52 senior politicians, including Congress parliamentary party chief Sonia Gandhi, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, DMK chief MK Stalin, Samajwadi Party head Akhilesh Yadav, RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, and Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam president C. Joseph Vijay. From Jammu & Kashmir, the invitees include BJP state unit president Sat Sharma, PDP president and former CM Mehbooba Mufti, Congress state chief Tariq Karra, Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, People’s Conference chief Sajad Lone, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Grand Mufti Nasir ul Islam.

Political Context and Centre’s Silence

Since taking office in October 2024, Abdullah has repeatedly urged the Centre to restore J&K’s statehood. The Congress, a key partner in the INDIA alliance, has also organised rallies across the region. However, the Union government has not offered a timeline or substantive response, prompting the NC to elevate the issue to a national platform.

Religious Leaders Join the Call

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, the senior cleric of Kashmir, endorsed the invitation, stating that any sincere effort to restore the “usurped rights” of J&K people is essential. He emphasized that the movement must go beyond statehood to reclaim all constitutional safeguards, including Articles 370 and 35A.

Implications and Possible Outcomes

If the protest garners the anticipated cross‑party support, it could force the Centre to honour its earlier parliamentary and Supreme Court assurances. A united front may also revive broader debates on federalism and the balance of power between Delhi and the states, potentially reshaping India’s political discourse.