Following the recent unrest in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has stated that street protests for the restoration of statehood in J&K are not feasible due to the potential danger from "trigger-ready forces". He emphasized that demanding statehood democratically and peacefully has not yielded the desired results, and expressed concerns about risking young lives in a confrontational environment.
Background: Ladakh Unrest and Statehood Demands
On September 24, 2025, Ladakh witnessed violent clashes between protesters and security personnel during a shutdown sponsored by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to many others. The protesters were demanding statehood for Ladakh and the extension of the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which provides for the administration of tribal areas. The situation escalated when protesters allegedly engaged in violence, including setting fire to a local BJP office.
Omar Abdullah's Reaction and Concerns
Reacting to the Ladakh unrest, Omar Abdullah highlighted the sense of betrayal and anger among the people of Ladakh, even though they had not been explicitly promised statehood and had initially celebrated the Union Territory status in 2019. He drew a parallel to the situation in Jammu and Kashmir, where the promise of statehood remains unfulfilled despite peaceful demands. Abdullah emphasized that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been demanding statehood "democratically, peacefully, and responsibly".
Abdullah has pointed out that Ladakh wasn't even promised statehood, yet people there are now feeling betrayed and angry. He stated that one should imagine how betrayed the people of Jammu and Kashmir are feeling over the statehood issue. "Ladakh wasn't even promised Statehood, they celebrated UT status in 2019 & they feel betrayed & angry. Now try to imagine how betrayed & disappointed we in J&K feel when the promise of statehood to J&K remains unfulfilled even though we have gone about demanding it democratically, peacefully & responsibly," the Chief Minister stated in a post on X.
Emphasis on Peaceful and Political Means
Given the volatile situation and the potential for violence, Omar Abdullah has ruled out street protests as a means to achieve statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that he would pursue the demand through political and peaceful means, prioritizing the safety and well-being of young people. Abdullah has urged New Delhi not to test the patience of the people of Jammu and Kashmir any longer, cautioning against letting the situation slide into turmoil similar to the unrest that has gripped Ladakh.
Broader Political Context
The issue of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir has been a contentious one since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019, which stripped the region of its special status and bifurcated it into two Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. The Supreme Court of India has directed the Union government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and hold legislative assembly elections no later than September 2024. However, the restoration of statehood has been delayed, leading to growing frustration and resentment among the people of the region.
Omar Abdullah has criticized the BJP for allegedly opposing the restoration of statehood and for failing to fulfill the promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He has also stated that he is not ready to include BJP in the government to get statehood back and he would rather resign than enter into an alliance with the BJP to hasten statehood for the Union territory.
Meanwhile, the Leh Apex Body (LAB) has announced that it will boycott talks with the Home Ministry until peace is restored in Ladakh following the police firing, demanding a judicial inquiry and the release of detained leaders.
