Challenges in the Life of Omar Abdullah in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 10, 2025

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Omar Abdullah's life and career.

Omar Abdullah is an Indian politician prominent in Jammu and Kashmir. He served as the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir from 2009 to 2014 and is currently the vice president of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference, a position he has held since 2009. He previously served as its president. He was also a Member of Parliament in the Lok Sabha from 1998 to 2009, representing Srinagar, and held the position of Union Minister of State for External Affairs.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1989: Start of Insurgency and Violence

In 1989, the insurgency and violence caused by cross border terrorism started in Jammu and Kashmir.

October 2002: Loss in Kashmir Assembly Elections

In September-October 2002, Omar Abdullah lost his Ganderbal seat in the Kashmir assembly elections.

2009: Accusation of Covering Up Rape and Murder

In 2009, Omar Abdullah was accused of covering up the rape and murder of two young women in Shopian.

August 2019: Revocation of Article 370

On August 6, 2019, the state of Jammu & Kashmir ceased to exist and became a union territory following the revocation of Article 370, which Omar Abdullah fiercely opposed.

August 2019: Preventive Detention

On the intervening night of August 4 and 5, 2019, Omar Abdullah was placed under preventive detention by the Indian Government under Section 107 of the CRPC following the decision to scrap Article 370.

February 2020: Urgent Listing Mentioned in Court

On February 10, 2020, senior advocate Kapil Sibal mentioned the matter of Omar Abdullah's detention for urgent listing before a bench of the Supreme Court.

February 2020: Supreme Court Issues Notice

On February 14, 2020, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Jammu & Kashmir administration regarding Omar Abdullah's detention.

February 2020: Booked Under Public Safety Act

On February 6, 2020, the government of India booked Omar Abdullah under the Public Safety Act (PSA).

March 2020: Next Hearing Date Set

On February 14, 2020, the Supreme Court issued notice and set the next date of hearing as March 2, 2020.

2020: Arrest and Detention

In 2020, Omar Abdullah was arrested and detained.

2024: Defeat in Lok Sabha Election

In the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, Omar Abdullah was defeated by Engineer Sheikh Abdul Rashid, and won two assembly seats before retaining Ganderbal seat.