After announcing his party's programme to stage a protest outside Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and discussed a range of key issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including the early restoration of statehood.
According to the official spokesperson of the J&K government, during the meeting, the Chief Minister conveyed the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir for the early restoration of statehood.
He argued that restoration of statehood would mark an important step towards strengthening democratic institutions, deepening public participation, and advancing the next phase of the region's development. He urged the Prime Minister to expedite the process.
The Chief Minister also briefed the Prime Minister on Jammu and Kashmir's economic trajectory and ongoing developmental initiatives across key sectors. He highlighted the progress achieved in infrastructure development, public service delivery, and welfare measures, while also outlining areas requiring sustained support and investment.
Omar Abdullah emphasized the need for continued support from the Government of India to accelerate economic growth, strengthen connectivity, generate employment opportunities, expand infrastructure, and enhance public welfare across Jammu and Kashmir.
He drew particular attention to the need for fuller harnessing of the region's hydropower potential, augmentation of rail services on the Udhampur–Srinagar line in view of the forthcoming apple season and the scheduled closure of Srinagar Airport, development of new tourism circuits, and sustained support for J&K's farmers, artisans, and MSMEs.
Earlier, CM Sought Support of INDIA Bloc
During a meeting of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc in New Delhi on Monday, Omar Abdullah sought the support of all alliance constituents for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
He urged opposition parties from across the country to join the National Conference's proposed protest in New Delhi during the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Raising the issue at the INDIA bloc meeting held in the national capital on June 8, Omar Abdullah informed leaders of various opposition parties about the National Conference's decision to launch a sustained campaign for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. He appealed to alliance partners to support the movement and participate in the proposed protest programme in Delhi.
Omar Abdullah emphasized that the demand for the restoration of statehood is not merely a political issue for the National Conference but a larger democratic concern that reflects the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
NC Already Announces Protest Outside Parliament
The ruling National Conference has already announced that its legislators, Members of Parliament, and alliance partners will stage a protest in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and constitutional guarantees.
The decision was taken at a day-long meeting of NC legislators and supporting Independents chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at an off-site location in the Dachigam area on the outskirts of Srinagar on June 3.
NC chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said after the meeting that the party's entire legislative wing, including MPs, MLAs, and allies, would participate in the protest.
"The National Conference has decided that on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, our legislative party, including MPs, MLAs, and allies, will go to Delhi to protest. Our primary demand will be the restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir," Sadiq had stated.
