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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed hope that the wait is nearing its end, but said “no one in Jammu and Kashmir will be satisfied” until the restoration is officially enacted
Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal with Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah during the Regional Workshop on Tele-Law Activities, at SKICC in Srinagar on February 17, 2026. (Image: PTI)
Union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on Tuesday hinted at an early decision on the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, stressing that the Centre remains committed to what he called a “sensitive” matter.
Arjun Ram Meghwal, who is the minister of state for law and justice, told reporters during his visit to Srinagar that while the issue remains “sensitive”, the public should expect a resolution in the near future.
“I think you will hear some decision on this very soon,” Meghwal said, adding that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had previously provided assurances on the floor of the Lok Sabha that the rightful process for restoration will be followed.
“Home Minister has said on the floor of the House that will get it back and there’s a process,” he said, stressing that the central government is committed to ensuring that the people of the region receive what is “due to them”.
Meghwal’s comments prompted a response of cautious optimism from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was present at the same function at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). He acknowledged the hint of “good news” but said J&K has waited too long.
“It has been one and a half years of wait. We hope we do not have to wait much longer,” Abdullah said, adding that his government is in constant dialogue with the Centre to ensure the process is completed.
While he expressed hope that the wait is nearing its end, he maintained that “no one in Jammu and Kashmir will be satisfied” until the restoration is officially enacted.
Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. At that time, it was reorganised into two distinct Union Territories: Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Amit Shah had said in February 2021 that this UT status was intended to be temporary.
WHAT IS THE LATEST IN DEMAND FOR STATEHOOD RESTORATION?
The push for restoration has recently intensified through both legal challenges and public mobilisation.
A bench led by former Chief Justice BR Gavai has been hearing petitions seeking a time-bound restoration of statehood, a case in which Omar Abdullah had previously sought to become a party.
On the political front, both the Congress and the ruling National Conference (NC) have ramped up efforts to frame the return of statehood as a fundamental constitutional right rather than a concession.
The Congress recently launched its ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign to mobilise public support, with Jammu and Kashmir Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra saying the government must honour its parliamentary commitments.
“Statehood is not a concession or charity; it is a constitutional right,” Karra said, warning that further delays will deepen public mistrust.
National Conference MLAs, meanwhile, have also staged protests outside the Jammu and Kashmir assembly, carrying placards demanding the restoration of constitutional guarantees. They said statehood was a promise made to the people and that the time for its fulfilment is now due.
(With inputs from Ieshan Wani)
Srinagar, India, India
February 17, 2026, 17:48 IST
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