Examiner News Desk | Srinagar:
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday asserted that the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory is a crucial prerequisite for the eventual restoration of its special constitutional status, reiterating that the National Conference (NC) will continue to press the Central Government to fulfil its commitment.
Emphasising that the demand for statehood remains the party’s foremost political priority, Abdullah said the National Conference would persist in reminding the Centre of its repeated assurances regarding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
“Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is imperative for its special status. The National Conference will continue to remind the Centre of its promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, and we hope it will honour that commitment,” the Chief Minister said.
Referring to Monday’s developments in New Delhi, Abdullah said the party’s protest seeking the restoration of statehood was only the beginning of a larger democratic campaign and not its conclusion.
The Chief Minister had travelled to the national capital to lead a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the restoration of statehood. However, he and several National Conference leaders were prevented by Delhi Police from proceeding to the designated protest venue amid heightened security arrangements and restrictions in the area.
Describing the developments as a temporary setback rather than a defeat, Abdullah said the National Conference would continue to pursue its demand through peaceful and democratic means.
“The statehood protest in Delhi was just the beginning and not the end,” he said, indicating that the party leadership would soon unveil a broader strategy to sustain the campaign.
Seeking to reassure the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said the National Conference remains committed to the promises made to the electorate and will continue to advocate for the restoration of the region’s constitutional and democratic rights.
“I assure my people that we stand by our promises and will remain steadfast. The party leadership will soon finalise a new strategy and programme to take this movement forward,” Abdullah said.
The National Conference has consistently maintained that the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is essential for strengthening democratic governance, ensuring greater administrative accountability and addressing the aspirations of the people. The party has repeatedly urged the Centre to fulfil the assurances made both inside and outside Parliament regarding the reinstatement of statehood to the Union Territory.
