NC steps up statehood demand; finalises arrangements for Jantar Mantar protest

Stepping up its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, the ruling National Conference (NC) has started making arrangements for a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.

The party’s senior leadership met in Srinagar on Friday to finalise preparations for the demonstration, asserting that the Centre can no longer delay its commitment to restore statehood to the Union Territory.

The meeting of the NC’s Kashmir Provincial Committee was chaired by the party’s General Secretary, Ali Mohammad Sagar. It was attended by Additional General Secretary and MP Chowdry Mohammad Ramzan, Treasurer and MP Shammi Oberoi, Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Nasir Aslam Wani, Cabinet Ministers Sakina Itoo and Javed Dar, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, Women’s Wing President Shameema Firdous, senior leader Mubarak Gul, MLAs from Kashmir province, besides zonal and district presidents, constituency in-charges, provincial office-bearers and other party functionaries.

During the four-hour meeting, the participants unanimously endorsed party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s decision to hold the protest at Jantar Mantar. The leaders said the demonstration would seek to raise the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir at the national level and press for the immediate restoration of statehood.

The meeting reiterated that the restoration of statehood is a constitutional and democratic right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and not a concession from the Centre. The participants recalled that the Union Government had assured both Parliament and the Supreme Court that statehood would be restored, and said there was no justification for any further delay in fulfilling that commitment.

The party also reaffirmed its resolve to continue its democratic and peaceful campaign for the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees, stating that the proposed protest would reflect the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah said leaders of the INDIA bloc would also be invited to participate in the Jantar Mantar protest, aimed at building wider political support for the party’s demand for the restoration of statehood.