Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

Srinagar, Jun 22: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Saturday warned that his party will move the Supreme Court if the Union government continues to delay the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that governance and public aspirations remain hamstrung in its absence.

Speaking to reporters in Kokernag, South Kashmir, after a party workers’ meeting, Abdullah said,

“People want their issues resolved, and some even want their representatives to become ministers. But how is that possible without statehood? If the Centre takes too long, we will be forced to approach the Supreme Court.”

He expressed optimism that full powers would be restored once statehood is reinstated, a long-standing demand following the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the former state into Union Territories in 2019.

Questions Centre on Pahalgam Attack

Referring to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people — mostly tourists — Abdullah criticised the government’s claim of having ended militancy in the region.

“They said militancy is over, so where did the attackers come from? We have drones, surveillance, forces… yet they reached Baisaran and launched an attack. Why haven’t we found them yet?”

His remarks raise fresh questions about the security lapse and intelligence failure surrounding one of the deadliest attacks in the Valley in recent years.

On Israel-Iran Tensions and Global Peace

The NC patriarch also commented on rising tensions in West Asia, urging restraint from both Israel and Iran, and calling for global efforts to pursue peace.

“I pray God grants wisdom to Israel, Iran — and even Donald Trump — to realise that nothing is achieved through war. Only peace can resolve disputes.”

Abdullah’s statements come amid rising political activity in Jammu and Kashmir, as regional parties push for political empowerment, security accountability, and resolution of pending issues, including delimitation and assembly elections.