SRINAGAR — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated on Saturday that people across the Line of Control (LoC) might have been protesting to rejoin J&K today had the Centre not revoked Article 370 in 2019.

Speaking at an Independence Day event, Abdullah paid tribute to his grandfather and National Conference founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, highlighting his role in resisting the Pakistan-backed tribal invasion in 1947. He credited the local population with defending the region before Indian troops arrived, noting that thousands of people sacrificed their lives fighting invaders and infiltrators.

Abdullah linked the historical context to recent unrest in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), where Pakistani security forces killed dozens during demonstrations. The protests sought the abolition of 12 reserved seats in the 53-member PoK assembly designated for refugees from J&K who settled there after 1947, which demonstrators argue allows Pakistani political parties to exert control.

Key points highlighted in Abdullah's address include:

Accession Decision: Abdullah stated that current conditions across the LoC validate the choice made by J&K's leadership 80 years ago to align with India's secular ideals over Pakistan. Regional Identity: Emphasizing ties to the region, Abdullah affirmed that the people in that part of J&K are considered their own, stating, " No one is a stranger.

No one is an outsider." Federalism and Statehood: Abdullah advocated for restoring J&K's statehood and strengthening federalism, warning that federal structures weaken when central agencies interfere in state matters.

Education Admissions: He criticized centralized entrance tests such as NEET and JEE for overriding state powers, arguing that while national exams suit institutions like IITs, IIMs, and NIFT, state institutions should manage their own admissions and tests. The remarks come as Abdullah's government continues its push for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir following the 2019 constitutional changes.