Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, June 11

National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah said on Thursday his party would not approach other political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to join its planned protest in New Delhi demanding restoration of statehood, adding that any group wishing to participate was free to do so.

The NC has announced plans to stage a demonstration outside Parliament on the opening day of the forthcoming Monsoon Session to press the federal government for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.

“Whoever wants to join the protest can do so. We are not going to anyone with a begging bowl,” Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar when asked whether the party would invite other political organisations to participate.

His remarks came days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called on constituents of the opposition INDIA alliance to support the NC’s campaign for restoration of statehood.

Farooq Abdullah said political parties in Jammu and Kashmir were united on the issue despite broader political differences.

“This is the need of the hour to get united for the restoration of statehood. We are all united as far as statehood is concerned,” he said.

About the prospects of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status, Abdullah said the issue depended on decisions taken by the authorities in New Delhi but pledged that his party would continue its campaign through constitutional means.

“We will continue to fight. Constitutionally, we have the right to protest for what has been taken away from us,” he said.

The former chief minister also criticised the existing governance structure in the Union Territory, arguing that the elected government lacked adequate authority.

“The people have elected a government here. The elected government should have the powers, not the Lieutenant Governor,” he said.

Commenting on the situation in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, Abdullah expressed concern over reports of unrest and called on the United Nations to assess conditions in the region.

He urged the UN human rights mechanisms to investigate the situation and help address the concerns of residents.

Responding to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 12 years in office, Abdullah said lasting stability in Jammu and Kashmir would require addressing the aspirations of its people and restoring what he described as their dignity and honour.

The NC has repeatedly pressed for the restoration of statehood since Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory in August 2019, making it the party’s central political demand since returning to power following the Assembly elections.