• Says “NC’s Delhi protest was part of a sustained campaign; reiterates promise of J&K statehood remains unfulfilled”
Aqzar Raheel
Ganderbal: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday asserted that the restoration of statehood cannot be secured through a single protest, saying the demand requires sustained and consistent efforts until the promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir is fulfilled.
Addressing reporters during his visit to Ganderbal district, Abdullah said the National Conference’s recent protest in New Delhi was undertaken with the understanding that it would not produce immediate results, but was intended to keep the issue of statehood firmly on the national agenda.
“We went to Delhi knowing that one protest would not bring results. A commitment was made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the restoration of statehood, and that promise is yet to be honoured,” the Chief Minister said.
He said the National Conference did not wait for August 5 to intensify its campaign and had already taken the issue to the national capital through democratic means.
Referring to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdullah said the House had passed a resolution seeking the restoration of the erstwhile state’s special status and constitutional guarantees, which was subsequently forwarded to the Centre.
“Whatever steps are required on August 5 will be taken, but we are not waiting for that date. Our efforts to secure the restoration of statehood will continue,” he said.
