“We came to know from newspapers,” says CM; NC reiterates longstanding commitment to statehood demand
Shazia Shah
Kangan, July 22 (Kashmir Pen): In a reserved yet pointed reaction, J&K Chief Minister and National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah expressed disappointment over being excluded from the Congress party’s recent “Delhi Chalo” protest at Jantar Mantar, which called for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking to reporters in Central Kashmir’s Kangan, Omar Abdullah revealed that the National Conference was neither informed nor invited to the protest, which was organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC).
“We learned about the protest through the newspapers. No one from the Congress party reached out to us, not even with a hint,” Omar said. “Had we been invited, we would have definitely participated. Our stand on statehood has never wavered.”
Reaffirming the National Conference’s consistent advocacy for the restoration of J&K’s statehood, Omar reminded that his party had passed resolutions in both the Legislative Assembly and Cabinet to that effect during its tenure. “We are not new to this demand. We have voiced it consistently at every relevant forum,” he asserted.
In a veiled but firm remark, he added, “If the Congress party has now remembered the importance of statehood for Jammu & Kashmir, we welcome it — better late than never.”
The statement underscores an emerging rift between regional allies at a time when unity over Jammu & Kashmir’s constitutional status remains politically significant. The National Conference’s omission from the Congress-led demonstration may further complicate future opposition coordination in the Union Territory | Kashmir Pen
