Omar Abdullah Slams Centre Over Ladakh Violence, Calls Out Delay in J\&K Statehood
Omar Abdullah pointed out that Ladakh was never promised statehood at the time of its bifurcation in 2019, and that the people had initially celebrated its transition into a Union Territory.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has reacted strongly to the recent violent protests in Leh, where locals clashed with police over the long-standing demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Drawing a parallel with Jammu and Kashmir’s situation, Omar said the anger in Ladakh highlights the deepening sense of betrayal in the region—and even more so in J\&K, where statehood was actually promised.
Reacting to reports of violence in Leh, Omar posted on X (formerly Twitter), "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 remains unfulfilled, even though we have demanded it democratically, peacefully & responsibly."
Omar was referring to the events of August 5, 2019, when the Indian government abrogated Article 370, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and splitting the former state into two Union Territories—J\&K and Ladakh. At the time, people in Ladakh had welcomed the move, hoping it would bring direct governance and long-overdue development. However, six years later, demands for full statehood and inclusion under the Sixth Schedule have grown louder, with many now expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises.
On Wednesday, protests in Leh turned violent, with protestors clashing with police, burning vehicles, and even attacking a BJP office. The unrest prompted activist Sonam Wangchuk—who has been leading a peaceful hunger strike—to call off his protest. Sharing a video on social media, Wangchuk expressed sorrow over the violence, saying, “My message of the peaceful path failed today. I appeal to the youth to please stop this nonsense. This only damages our cause.”
National Conference leader Tanvir Sadiq also criticized the government’s approach, saying, “It is very unfortunate that everything has been mishandled. The way J\&K is being mishandled, Ladakh is also being mishandled in a similar way. While this is true, we condemn violence and hope the central government will sit down and talk with the people of Ladakh.”