Hundreds protest in Delhi demanding J&K statehood

Hundreds of protesters led by the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir demonstrated in New Delhi on Monday, July 20, 2026, demanding the central government fulfill its promise to restore statehood to the region. The demonstration, organized by the ruling National Conference party, took place at Jantar Mantar and coincided with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.

Led by party president Farooq Abdullah, protesters carried placards and chanted slogans such as "Fulfil your promise" and "Why has Modi's promise remained unfulfilled?" Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was also present. He stated in a social media post that the protest marked only the beginning of a struggle for statehood, rights, and dignity. Police reportedly stopped the demonstrators from staging a larger protest, according to the chief minister's statement.

Protest leaders highlighted the central government's repeated assurances. Farooq Abdullah told reporters they were fighting for full statehood, which he said was promised by the prime minister and home minister in Parliament and before the Supreme Court. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary noted it was unfortunate that people from Jammu and Kashmir...