Examiner Bureau | Srinagar:
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the National Conference has invited all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir, along with leaders of the INDIA bloc and other regional parties across the country, to participate in its proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, seeking the early restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with representatives of Jammu and Kashmir’s civil society, Abdullah said invitations are being extended to all political parties in the region, while National Conference president Farooq Abdullah will personally reach out to leaders of the INDIA bloc as well as regional parties outside both the INDIA alliance and the NDA.
“We hope they will join us and support this protest on July 20,” he said.
The Chief Minister said around 170 representatives from diverse sections of society—including religious leaders, traders, educationists, retired bureaucrats and tourism stakeholders—participated in a nearly three-hour meeting.
“It was not a delegation but a meeting of civil society. Everyone, without exception, felt that the restoration of statehood has already been delayed for too long and cannot be postponed any further,” Abdullah said.
He said the participants unanimously adopted a resolution urging the Government of India to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and also expressed support for the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
Addressing concerns over staff shortages in key public sectors, the Chief Minister said the government is actively working to fill vacancies, particularly those of doctors, teachers and lecturers.
“We are constantly trying to fill these gaps. Recruitment takes time because the process, including verification, is lengthy, but appointment orders are being issued,” he said.
Responding to reports claiming that 1,544 schools in Jammu and Kashmir are functioning with only one teacher, Abdullah said the figures were based on outdated data and assured that the government would present updated information before the Legislative Assembly.
On the recent heavy rainfall that affected parts of the Chenab Valley and Kathua district, the Chief Minister said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had spoken to him on Wednesday morning to review the situation.
“The Home Minister called to enquire about the situation. I briefed him, and he assured all possible assistance from the Centre if required,” Abdullah said.
Commenting on the global impact of ongoing conflicts, Abdullah said prolonged wars were driving up oil prices and adversely affecting economies.
“The biggest solution is that the war must end. Rising oil prices are increasing the cost of development works and affecting economies,” he said.
On the Indus Waters Treaty, the Chief Minister reiterated his long-standing opposition to the agreement, stating that Jammu and Kashmir had never exercised control over its rivers under the treaty.
Responding to a question on the early melting of the Amarnath cave ice Shivling, Abdullah noted that the number of pilgrims is already regulated under Supreme Court guidelines and that the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board is responsible for managing unregistered pilgrims.
“As far as the Shivling is concerned, that is in God’s hands. We cannot decide how many days it should remain,” he said.
The National Conference had earlier announced its decision to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
