Civil Society Backs July 20 Statehood Protest, Says Omar Abdullah NC to Invite Regional Parties, INDIA Bloc for Jantar Mantar Demonstration
Amit Shah Assures Assistance After Heavy Rains, Says Chief Minister
Srinagar, KNT: Representatives from various sections of civil society have endorsed the National Conference’s proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi seeking restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announcing that all regional political parties and leaders of the INDIA bloc will be invited to join the demonstration.
Addressing reporters after a nearly three-hour interaction with civil society representatives in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said around 170 participants, including religious leaders, traders, educationists, retired bureaucrats and tourism stakeholders, attended the meeting and unanimously stressed that restoration of statehood should not be delayed any further.
“It was not a delegation but a meeting of the civil society. Everyone, without exception, stressed that the restoration of statehood has already been delayed for too long and should not be denied any further,” Omar Abdullah said.
He said the meeting adopted a resolution urging the Central Government to restore statehood and also expressed support for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
The Chief Minister said invitations were being extended to all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah would also invite leaders of the INDIA bloc and regional parties to participate in the protest.
“We hope they will join us and support this protest,” he said.
Replying to a question regarding reports claiming that 1,544 schools in Jammu and Kashmir are functioning with a single teacher, Omar Abdullah said the figures were based on an outdated report and did not reflect the current position.
He said the government would place updated figures before the Legislative Assembly.
The Chief Minister also disclosed that Union Home Minister Amit Shah had telephonically contacted him to enquire about the situation arising from heavy rainfall that affected parts of the Chenab Valley and Kathua district.
“The Home Minister called to enquire about the situation. I briefed him, and he assured all possible assistance,” Omar Abdullah said. [KNT]
