JKNC Plans Delhi Protest During Monsoon Session Over J&K Statehood Demand

Srinagar, Jun 03: The ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference has announced plans to stage a protest in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s upcoming Monsoon Session, seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional safeguards.

Senior NC leader and party spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the decision was taken during a meeting of the NC Legislature Party held on Wednesday.

Addressing reporters after the meeting, Sadiq said party legislators and allied representatives would travel to the national capital to press for the restoration of rights and constitutional protections that, according to the party, were withdrawn following the developments of 2019.

“We have decided to hold a protest in Delhi on the first day of the Monsoon Session, either at Jantar Mantar or any other appropriate venue, to seek restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

Sadiq said the Legislature Party meeting featured extensive discussions on governance and public concerns across various regions, including Jammu, Kashmir, Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley. He said issues relating to development, social welfare and drug abuse also figured prominently in the deliberations.

According to Sadiq, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah heard the views of legislators in detail during the meeting, which was attended by NC MLAs, allied Independent legislators and Members of Parliament associated with the party.

Reiterating the party’s political position, Sadiq said restoration of statehood continues to remain a central demand of the National Conference leadership.

Responding to a query on a possible Cabinet expansion, he said the matter rests solely with the Chief Minister and declined to elaborate further.

The Legislature Party meeting was held at Dachigam on the outskirts of Srinagar, where Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had convened a session with party legislators and allies earlier in the day.