Promises on Pause in Kashmir

Promises on Pause in Kashmir

Critics say the region’s leader hasn’t delivered on his defiant campaign rhetoric.

Omar Abdullah wears black-rimmed glasses, a white long sleeve shirt under a grey vest, and a grey and gold skullcap. He stands behind a red podium and gazes out with a serious expression toward his out-of-frame audience. December 10, 2025, 6:00 AM

On the campaign trail in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir last year, ahead of the union territory’s first legislative election in a decade, Omar Abdullah made a crowd of supporters emotional as he removed his skullcap . “My turban, my honor, and this cap are in your hands,” he said. “Give me an opportunity and I will serve you and represent you.”

In October 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference party (JKNC) won 42