A major signal from Washington on Jammu and Kashmir. US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor says the US could reassess its travel advisory for the region, citing improved security. During his first visit to Jammu and Kashmir, Gor met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar. The two discussed India-US relations, economic cooperation and what Washington can do for Jammu and Kashmir. Gor also called J&K an “important part of India” and said many Americans could enjoy visiting the region.  

The demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood echoed through Parliament as Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi led a joint demonstration by the INDIA Bloc and the National Conference, intensifying pressure on the Centre during the Monsoon Session. Opposition MPs gathered outside Parliament, urging the government to fulfil its repeated commitment to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Leaders argued that statehood is essential for strengthening democratic governance, constitutional rights and political representation in the Union Territory. The Opposition also demanded that Union Home Minister Amit Shah make a statement in Parliament over the alleged police action against student protesters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, linking the issue to wider concerns about democratic rights and public dissent. Rahul sharpened his attack on the government, saying students are suffering because of systemic failures and deserve justice rather than what he described as symbolic gestures. His remarks added to the political heat as multiple Opposition parties sought to corner the Centre on both the Jammu and Kashmir statehood issue and the ongoing education controversy. WATCH