By Tehelka Web Desk
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory was a necessary step towards the eventual restoration of its special status.
Speaking in Srinagar, Abdullah said the National Conference (NC) would continue to press the Centre to fulfil its commitment to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. “Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood is imperative for its special status. The NC will continue to remind the Centre of its promise of restoration of J&K’s statehood, and we hope that it will fulfil its commitment,” Abdullah said.
Referring to the party’s protest in Delhi on Monday, the chief minister said the campaign for statehood would continue. “Statehood protest in Delhi was just the beginning and not the end,” the National Conference (NC) leader said.
Abdullah had travelled to the national capital to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar seeking the restoration of statehood. However, he and other NC leaders were stopped by police from proceeding to the protest venue due to heavy security arrangements in the area.
Reiterating the party’s commitment to its election promises, Abdullah said the NC would continue to pursue the issue. “I assure my people we stand by our promises and will remain steadfast. A new strategy and programme will soon be decided by the party leadership,” the chief minister said.
