NC’s Familiar Flip-Flop: Omar Abdullah’s U-Turn on Kashmir

J&K's Political Landscape

The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has long been a complex tapestry woven with history, identity, and the aspirations of its people. At the heart of this evolving narrative is the National Conference (NC), a party that has historically claimed to be the voice of Kashmiris.


However, it has repeatedly shifted its position — from advocating for the people’s aspirations to aligning itself with the policies of New Delhi.


The recent change in stance by NC leaders, particularly Omar Abdullah, raises serious questions about the party’s commitment to its promises and the people it claims to represent.


In the run-up to the 2024 Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, both Omar Abdullah and his father, Farooq Abdullah, strongly advocated for the resumption of dialogue with Pakistan, considering it essential for resolving the long-standing Kashmir issue. Their stance echoed the sentiments of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who famously said, “Friends can be changed, but not neighbours.”



Scepticism over call for dialogue

This call for dialogue was always viewed with scepticism by those familiar with Abdullah’s political manoeuvring. However, some believed it reflected an understanding of Kashmir’s complex realities — where aspirations for peace and stability are deeply intertwined with the region’s turbulent history.


Yet, Omar Abdullah’s recent remarks declaring that there was “no scope” for dialogue with Pakistan due to a “spree of terror attacks” represent a dramatic reversal of his previous position. This volte-face has raised eyebrows and invited scrutiny, especially among those who have long championed peace and self-determination in Kashmir.


Abdullah’s assertion that Pakistan is meddling in Jammu and Kashmir, while not entirely unfounded, conveniently overlooks the internal grievances and aspirations of the Kashmiri people.


The statistics paint a grim picture — 122 lives lost in 60 violence-related incidents in 2024 alone, including civilians and security personnel. Yet, these figures must be understood within the broader context of Kashmir’s socio-political landscape.


The cycle of violence, often exacerbated by heavy militarisation and impunity, cannot be separated from the deep-seated local discontent arising from years of political alienation, economic deprivation, and human rights violations.

 Altaf Hussain  Wani (Chairman Kiir)

Shifting the Narrative

By attributing Kashmir’s unrest solely to external factors, Omar Abdullah risks ignoring the root causes of resistance and the people’s long-standing grievances against Indian rule.


Furthermore, the NC’s historical commitment to the restoration of Article 370 and statehood for Jammu and Kashmir has also come under scrutiny. The abrogation of Article 370 in 2019 was a watershed moment, stripping the region of its autonomy.


While the NC initially took a strong stand against this move, its leadership now appears to be retreating, with Omar Abdullah outrightly rejecting any possibility of restoring the Article. This shift raises serious doubts about the party’s integrity and its ability to stand by its commitments.


The implications of these developments are concerning. The National Conference, which was once seen as a viable alternative to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kashmir, now appears to be navigating the treacherous waters of political expediency.


The call for dialogue with Pakistan — once a defining stance — has now been replaced with a narrative focused on security and counter-terrorism, aligning the NC more closely with the Modi government’s position. This shift not only alienates a significant segment of the population that yearns for a peaceful resolution but also undermines the possibility of meaningful dialogue that could address the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.


NC's current trajectory

The NC’s current trajectory suggests a party more concerned with maintaining political relevance than advocating for Kashmiris’ rights. The rhetoric about fostering a “friendly working relationship” with Pakistan now rings hollow when placed against the backdrop of Abdullah’s refusal to engage in dialogue.


There is an increasing disconnect between the party’s leadership and the realities faced by ordinary Kashmiris, who continue to endure the consequences of decades of conflict. Moreover, the rejection of statehood and the restoration of Article 370 not only weakens the region’s political autonomy but also dismisses the historical and emotional significance these provisions held for the people.


The promise of self-governance and the recognition of Kashmir’s unique identity are essential components of any meaningful political discourse. By backtracking on these commitments, the National Conference risks alienating its core support base.


Omar Abdullah’s recent political U-turn and the NC’s shifting stance on crucial issues such as dialogue with Pakistan, statehood, and Article 370 reflect a troubling trend in Kashmiri politics. It is imperative for the people of Kashmir — and members of the NC — to hold political leaders accountable for their promises and push for genuine dialogue that prioritises the voices of Kashmiris.


The path to peace and resolution does not lie in political expediency but in recognising the aspirations, grievances, and rights of those who call this beautiful yet troubled region home.


Only by staying true to these principles can the region hope to move towards a future where dialogue, understanding, and reconciliation take precedence over conflict and division.

(The writer is chairman Kashmir Institute of International Relations and can be reached @ saleeemwani@hotmail.com and on X @sultan1913)

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