Jammu Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has questioned the long-standing narrative that Article 370 was merely “temporary and transitional,” arguing that its nature was tied to a broader political commitment—the pledge of a plebiscite to the people of Jammu Kashmir.
In a televised interview on February 25, 2025, Abdullah challenged the selective interpretation of Article 370’s status.
“You call Article 370 temporary and transitional. But why was it temporary? What was it transitioning towards? Why don’t you talk about that? A promise of plebiscite was made to the people of J-K,” he asserted.
Article 370 had granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, allowing it to have its own constitution and autonomy in all matters except defense, foreign affairs, finance, and communications.
Its abrogation by the Indian government in 2019 reignited debates over historical commitments, with critics arguing that the move disregarded past assurances made to the region.
Omar Abdullah’s during the interview remarked that the situation in Jammu Kashmir had improved post-abrogation, evoking criticism from the opposition.
Several opposition leaders accused him of changing his stance.
Abdullah has acknowledged in multiple interviews that the situation in Kashmir has improved, though he has linked this improvement to New Delhi’s heavy-handed policies.
A senior National Conference insider dismissed allegations of a shift in his position. “There is no change in his stance. He has said the same on multiple occasions,” the insider told The Kashmiriyat.
The party source also shared multiple videos—where Abdullah, before the elections, stated that separatist sentiment in Kashmir was dormant and that street protests had largely disappeared.
In an interview last year with YouTuber Samdish Bhatia, Abdullah acknowledged the improved situation but warned of its uncertain longevity.
“Yes, the situation has improved, but is that because of genuine change or because of the iron-fist policies of the Centre? That is the question,” he had said.
A party insider remarked, “It seems people have suddenly woken up from a deep slumber and become fierce critics of those in power, despite having remained silent or even complicit with an unelected government in Jammu Kashmir in the recent past. We welcome criticism, but falsehoods must be called out.”