SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) has announced that it will stage a protest in New Delhi on the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, party chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said on Wednesday.
He said the decision was taken at a meeting of the NC legislature party attended by MLAs and allied members, during which several political and governance issues were also reviewed.
Sadiq said the matter of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status was a key point of discussion. He confirmed that the party will travel to the national capital to press its demand for statehood and constitutional safeguards, with the protest location to be decided later.
Describing statehood as a long-standing demand, he said the leadership believes the time is appropriate to raise the issue at the national level in view of developments since 2019.
The meeting also deliberated on issues such as drug abuse, alcohol consumption, and developmental challenges across the Jammu, Kashmir, Pir Panjal, and Chenab regions. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, he added, was present throughout the deliberations.
On cabinet expansion, Sadiq said the matter rests with the Chief Minister and will be taken up at an appropriate time.
He dismissed questions over remarks made by opposition leaders, stating that the party’s position had already been conveyed.
Meanwhile, the absence of MPs Aga Ruhullah and Mian Altaf from a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has drawn political attention in Jammu and Kashmir, triggering discussion in political circles as observers await any official clarification.
