By Tehelka Web Desk
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Monday sought the support of opposition parties for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a meeting of the INDIA Bloc in New Delhi, Omar urged constituent parties of the alliance to support the National Conference’s planned protest during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
According to party sources, Omar informed the meeting about the NC’s decision to launch a campaign in favour of restoring statehood and invited opposition leaders to join the protest.
He said the demand for statehood was not limited to any single political party but reflected the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Omar appealed to INDIA Bloc partners to stand in solidarity with the people of the Union Territory and support the campaign.
Sources said Omar also told the gathering that the National Conference would formally approach individual opposition parties and leaders to seek their participation in the proposed protest.
The development comes days after the National Conference announced that it would hold a demonstration in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to press for the restoration of full statehood and constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir.
The statehood issue remains a key political agenda for the ruling National Conference, which has repeatedly maintained that restoring statehood is essential to meeting the aspirations and expectations of the people.
The INDIA Bloc meeting was attended by senior opposition leaders from across the country and discussed political and parliamentary strategies ahead of the forthcoming session of Parliament.
