In The Hindu Huddle, candid conversations about Kashmir are expected

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, a long-time veteran of the complex politics of the Union Territory, who has been at the center of intense political attention, is coming into the fold in the wake of the ongoing problems in Jammu and Kashmir. File. | Photo credit: PTI

Adding initial impetus to the packed line-up of expert speakers at The Hindu Huddle 2026 will be a thought-provoking discussion with Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr Abdullah, a long-time veteran of the complex politics of the Union Territory, who has been at the center of intense political attention, comes to Confusion in the wake of ongoing problems in Jammu and Kashmir following last year’s Pahalgam terror attacks and Operation Sindoor, which led to arguably the most consequential military skirmishes between India and Pakistan.

Mr. Abdullah, a two-time Chief Minister of J&K, entered politics and achieved the record of being the youngest member of the Lok Sabha when he entered the Lower House of Parliament in 1998 at the age of 28. After a successful stint in the Union government, including as Minister of State for Commerce and Industry and later for External Affairs, Mr. Abdullah focused on his home leadership of Kash Jammu National Conference and his home state.

An open leader

Since then, he has made a name for himself as an outspoken Chief Minister representing the voice of the people of J&K, even during the challenging period of 2019-2020 when the Center revoked the special status of J&K by abrogating Article 370.

Today, as J&K continues to seethe with unresolved issues of addressing the demands of the Kashmiri youth, stopping cross-border terrorism and pursuing the right political mix to foster growth in the Valley while promoting peace based on respect for human rights, Mr. Abdullah’s voice is the one that speaks for the very heart of India’s grand experiment with JK federalism rights

He will be engaged in a frank dialogue with Dr. By Narayan Lakshman, Opinion Editor, The Hindu, and Curator, The Hindu Huddle, in a session titled ‘Beyond the Valley: The Role of Kashmir in Great Power Politics’, at 10:20 AM on 05 June 2026.

Published – 28 May 2026 02:23 IST