Kashmir Impulses Desk

Srinagar, July 15

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday that the ruling National Conference (NC) would go ahead with its planned protest in New Delhi this weekend despite the death of senior party leader Sheikh Mustafa Kamal and uncertainty over official permission for the demonstration.

The NC plans to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20 over issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir. Party leaders will travel to the national capital a day earlier regardless of whether authorities approve the venue, CM Omar said.

“There will be no change,” Abdullah told reporters after paying tributes to Kamal, his uncle and a senior NC leader. “Even if we do not get permission for Jantar Mantar, we will reach Delhi, sit together and decide our next course of action there.”

He said Kamal’s health had deteriorated on July 11 and doctors had indicated that his condition was critical, but NC President Farooq Abdullah had instructed party leaders to continue with their political programme.

“Even when we knew about his critical condition, the party president said whatever happened to Mustafa Sahib, we had to continue with our protest,” the CM.

He said the party was still awaiting clearance from authorities in the national capital but had prepared alternative plans if permission was denied.

“We are being made to wait. We know how to be patient. We will wait and also keep an alternate plan ready,” CM Omar said.

The protest comes at a politically sensitive time as the NC seeks to press its demands on issues relating to J&K.

The CM also paid tribute to Kamal’s public life, describing his death as a personal loss for the Abdullah family and a major setback for the party.

He said Kamal, a medical doctor by profession, continued to treat patients free of charge in Tangmarg even while serving as health minister.

Kamal represented Gulmarg in the Assembly after winning elections in 1987 and 1996 before later representing Pattan and Hazratbal in by-elections.

CM Omar said the large number of mourners attending Kamal’s funeral reflected the respect he commanded both within the NC and among the public.