New Delhi, July 18 (IANS) J&K ruling National Conference (NC) leadership reached New Delhi on Saturday ahead of the statehood restoration protest on July 20.
NC president Farooq Abdullah and J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reached New Delhi to oversee preparations for the party’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar, aimed at pressing the Centre for the restoration of statehood to J&K.
Several NC legislators, senior leaders and party workers also travelled to the national capital to coordinate arrangements for the demonstration, which the party has declared will go ahead as planned.
However, uncertainty persists over whether the Delhi administration will permit the gathering at Jantar Mantar, as no official approval has been confirmed as of Saturday evening.
The uncertainty has intensified political interest in the proposed protest in light of recent action by the authorities against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters during demonstrations in Delhi, where Wangchuk was reportedly shifted to a hospital and several protesters were removed from the protest site.
These developments have led to speculation that the NC may also face difficulties in obtaining permission for its programme.
The NC has consistently demanded the restoration of statehood since forming the government in J&K. Party leaders maintain that the restoration of full statehood is essential for strengthening democratic institutions, ensuring greater administrative autonomy and addressing the aspirations of the people.
The July 20 protest is being projected by the party as a peaceful democratic effort to remind the Centre of its commitment on the issue. The Central Government, on its part, has repeatedly assured that statehood will be restored at an “appropriate time.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah have reiterated this assurance on several occasions, although no definite timeline has been announced yet.
Meanwhile, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti has said her party is prepared to join the proposed protest, provided the agenda is broadened to include the restoration of Article 370 and other constitutional issues relating to J&K.
Her statement indicates that while there is broad support for statehood, opposition parties remain divided over the broader political agenda. With the protest just a day away, all eyes are now on the Delhi administration’s decision.
What is being watched closely now is whether the NC grants permission for the Jantar Mantar demonstration.
–IANS
sq/dan
