Fri Jul 18 21:23:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and rewritten news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana are both urging the central government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir ahead of the monsoon session of Parliament. Abdullah emphasized that statehood is a right, not a favor, and is crucial for the dignity and autonomy of the region. He also commended the Congress party for raising the issue with the Prime Minister. Rana echoed this sentiment, stating that statehood is long overdue and highlighting previous government assurances on the matter. Abdullah is expected to raise the issue at the upcoming INDIA bloc meeting.

**News Article:**

**Jammu & Kashmir Leaders Renew Calls for Statehood Restoration Ahead of Parliament Session**

**Srinagar – July 19, 2025:** Political pressure is mounting on the central government to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir as the monsoon session of Parliament approaches. National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Minister Javed Ahmed Rana have both issued strong statements urging immediate action.

“Statehood is our right, not a favor,” declared Dr. Abdullah, speaking to reporters in Budgam on July 18. He emphasized the importance of restoring full statehood to uphold the dignity, identity, and autonomy of the region after a prolonged period of diminished democratic and constitutional rights. Abdullah lauded the Congress party, specifically Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, for raising the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Dr. Abdullah is slated to attend a meeting of the Indian National Developmental, Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in New Delhi on July 19th and plans to advocate for statehood restoration during the discussions.

Echoing Abdullah’s sentiments, Minister Javed Ahmed Rana stated, “The restoration of Statehood is long overdue, particularly after the completion of delimitation and elections.” He highlighted previous assurances from the Prime Minister and Home Minister to restore statehood at the earliest, calling on the Union government to act swiftly to revive Jammu and Kashmir’s “lost glory.”

The renewed calls for statehood underscore the ongoing political sensitivity surrounding the region and set the stage for potential debates and discussions during the upcoming parliamentary session.

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