National Conference Leaders Rally for Statehood in Jammu and Kashmir

New Delhi, July 19: Leaders from the ruling National Conference (NC) in Jammu and Kashmir have arrived in New Delhi ahead of a planned protest on July 20, demanding the restoration of statehood. NC President Farooq Abdullah and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah are in the capital to assess the preparations for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar. The protest aims to pressure the central government to reinstate Jammu and Kashmir’s state status.

Several NC legislators, senior leaders, and party workers have also reached the national capital to oversee the arrangements. The party has made it clear that the protest will proceed as planned.

However, uncertainty looms over whether the Delhi administration will grant permission for the gathering at Jantar Mantar, as no official approval had been received by Saturday evening.

Political interest in the proposed protest has surged following recent actions against Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters in Delhi. Wangchuk was hospitalized, and several protesters were removed from the demonstration site during that incident.

These events have led to speculation that the NC may face challenges in obtaining permission for their event.

Since the formation of the government in Jammu and Kashmir, the NC has consistently called for the restoration of statehood. Party leaders argue that reinstating full state status is essential for strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring better administrative autonomy, and fulfilling the aspirations of the people.

The NC is presenting the July 20 protest as a peaceful democratic effort to remind the central government of its commitments regarding this issue.

Meanwhile, the central government has repeatedly assured that statehood will be restored at the appropriate time.

Additionally, Mehbooba Mufti, President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), has expressed her party’s readiness to join the proposed protest, provided the agenda is expanded to include the restoration of Article 370 and other constitutional issues related to Jammu and Kashmir.