Although Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah exuded confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would fulfil the wishes and aspirations of the people of the Union Territory, he made it clear that his party would go ahead with its planned protest at Jantar Mantar on the first day of Parliament's Monsoon Session to press for the restoration of statehood.
"We have resolved to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi at the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. There is no change in our plan. We will go to Delhi and present our views at Jantar Mantar for a day," Omar Abdullah told reporters in Srinagar.
He said National Conference MLAs, MPs, and other senior leaders would participate in the protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
"We still firmly intend to remind the government, at the beginning of the Monsoon Session, about the promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir regarding the restoration of statehood—a promise made in the Supreme Court, Parliament, and at several public functions," he said.
When asked about his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 11, the Chief Minister said, "We discussed various issues with the Prime Minister, including Jammu and Kashmir's financial position, statehood, and ways to accelerate development work. I hope this conversation will benefit the people of Jammu and Kashmir. That is the purpose."
CM Met the Prime Minister on June 11
On June 11, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi and strongly advocated for the early restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. The meeting took place days after Omar sought support from INDIA bloc partners for a proposed protest outside Parliament during the Monsoon Session.
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 the 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.
NC Already Announced Protest Outside Parliament
As reported earlier, the ruling National Conference has already announced that its legislators, Members of Parliament, and alliance partners will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar, 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 venue 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 Parliament's Monsoon Session, 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.
