 sandeep bhat
Early Times Report
Jammu, July 22: Amid the Congress party's intensified campaign for the restoration of statehood, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called on its leadership to engage directly with the National Conference (NC) to align efforts on this critical issue.
Speaking to reporters during a visit to Safapora, Abdullah emphasized that the National Conference has been a steadfast advocate for statehood and urged Congress to coordinate for unified action.
Abdullah dismissed Congress's claims that the NC did not support their recent protests, clarifying that no prior discussions or coordination took place. “First, they should talk to us,” he stated. “We only learned about these protests through newspapers. No one from Congress reached out directly. Even at the recent INDIA bloc meeting, this issue wasn’t raised. Had they approached us, we would have extended our full support without hesitation.”
Highlighting the NC’s longstanding commitment, Abdullah noted that his party was among the first to formally demand the restoration of statehood. “We passed a resolution in the Cabinet and brought it to the Assembly. Unfortunately, due to circumstances, it couldn’t be debated, but our position remains unwavering,” he said. The NC’s resolution reflects its resolve to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, stripped following the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, and to safeguard the region’s unique identity and rights.
Addressing Congress’s recent protests, Abdullah welcomed their advocacy but stressed the need for collaboration. “It’s encouraging that they’ve now raised their voice, but if they seek our support, they must coordinate with us. The National Conference is ready to participate constructively in any joint effort to achieve this shared goal,” he affirmed.
Abdullah reiterated that the restoration of statehood is a priority for the NC, rooted in its commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. “This is not a new demand for us. We’ve been vocal from the start, and our actions—through resolutions and public statements—reflect that. We welcome any party joining this cause, but unity is key. Let’s work together, not in isolation,” he urged.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come at a time when the demand for statehood has gained renewed momentum, with political parties and civil society emphasizing its importance for democratic governance and regional autonomy.
Abdullah’s call for coordination underscores the need for a unified front to effectively engage with the central government and achieve tangible progress. |
