"It is our right": JKNC to hold protest over Statehood in Delhi as Dachigam meeting ends
Srinagar, June 4
Jammu & Kashmir National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday said that the party legislators will hold a protest in Delhi during the monsoon session of the Parliament over the demand for statehood.
His remarks came following the conclusion of a meeting of legislators called by Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday in Srinagar
CM Omar Abdullah on Wednesday took National Conference (NC) legislators to the off-limits forest destination of Dachigam in Srinagar to analyse 19 months of the party's rule in the Union Territory (UT).
"We are off for an off-site to spend the day taking stock of the last 19 months - the good, the not so good & everything in between," said Omar Abdullah.
Earlier in the day, around 45 legislators, including 42 elected representatives of the NC, assembled at the residence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The Chief Minister provided special vehicles to drive the legislators to Dachigam, where most of the lawmakers remained offline. (ANI)
Speaking with the media after the party meeting in Dachigam National Park, Sadiq said, "Today we discussed all the problems in Dachigam, talked about reservations, alcohol and drugs, youth issues, and every single problem. The National Conference has decided that on the first day of the monsoon session of Parliament, all the National Conference MLAs will go to Delhi and hold a silent protest demonstration, and we will appeal that the restoration of statehood be given to us as soon as possible, and it's been a long time now, and this is the right time, and understanding this moment, Jammu and Kashmir's people and Jammu and Kashmir should have statehood restored as soon as possible," he said.
National Conference MLA Hilal Akbar Lone told reporters, "It has been decided in the meeting that we will go to Delhi and the entire party will demand statehood, which is our right; we have decided to go to Delhi to bring back that right, and today a lot of discussions took place on many issues," he said.
National Conference's Salman Sagar told ANI, "The meeting took place in a very good atmosphere, and every matter has been discussed. Demonstrations will be held during the Monsoon Session regarding statehood and special status. They will be reminded that you should fulfil the promise you made. Every issue concerning the state has been discussed today," he said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting to see the NC using the Parliament session for a protest—politically savvy but might annoy the BJP. Let's see how Delhi responds.
Fair enough, statehood was promised multiple times. But the government in Delhi needs to prioritise development over political stunts. Both sides have to walk the talk. 💬
A silent protest in Delhi is a smart move. It shows they're serious without escalating tensions. Wonder if other regional parties will join them.
Honestly, the people of J&K have been waiting for statehood too long. But I also hope the NC focuses on real issues like unemployment and education instead of just political posturing. 😊
Good to see the NC taking a stand, but they could also use this chance to build bridges with the central government. Dialogue is better than protest sometimes.
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