Omar Abdullah urges stronger federalism and recalls 1947 Kashmiri resistance

During a public address, Omar Abdullah recalled the historic slogan that rallied Kashmiris against the 1947 tribal incursion, emphasizing local bravery prior to any Indian military presence. He honored his grandfather, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, as the foremost leader of the valley and suggested that the 2019 revocation of Article 370 has prevented people in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir from staging protests to reunite with the Indian side.

Abdullah condemned the removal of Martyrs’ Day and Sheikh Abdullah’s birthday from the holiday calendar by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration, viewing it as an attack on regional identity. He also warned that nationwide entrance exams like NEET and JEE undermine state control over education and health, fueling unrest. Calling for a revival of true federalism, he urged the central government to restore the powers stripped from Jammu and Kashmir and to respect the reserved assembly seats for the population across the LoC.