The National Conference (NC) has intensified its campaign across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of a proposed protest in New Delhi later this month, launching a series of outreach programmes to mobilise support for the restoration of the region's statehood.
Protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20
The ruling party recently announced it will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar on the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament on July 20, demanding that the Centre restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. Party leaders said meetings are being held across the Union Territory to finalise the strategy and ensure a strong turnout in the national capital.
A senior NC leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the protest would primarily be led by party legislators, while senior leaders, including the top leadership, would also participate. “The leadership is directly monitoring preparations to make the protest successful,” he said.
Rallies planned in Jammu and Srinagar
Sources said the party also plans to organise rallies in both Jammu and Srinagar in the coming days as part of its mobilisation campaign. The outreach comes days after more than 150 representatives from different sections of civil society adopted a resolution urging the Union Government to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir without further delay.
The resolution was passed at a meeting held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, chaired by NC president Farooq Abdullah and vice-president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The event was widely seen as an effort to rally civil society support ahead of the Delhi protest.
Deputy CM calls statehood essential for democracy
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary earlier this week said the demonstration would reflect the “collective will” of the people and should compel the Centre to honour its commitment on statehood. On Thursday, Choudhary reiterated that restoration of statehood was not merely a political demand but an essential prerequisite for strengthening democracy, ensuring effective governance and accelerating the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir.
Since assuming office in 2024, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and senior NC leaders have repeatedly pressed the Centre to restore statehood. The Union Government has maintained that statehood will be restored at an “appropriate time.”
Growing pressure within ruling party
The issue has also gained greater prominence within the ruling party, with several NC legislators urging the government to pursue the demand more vigorously in view of the Union Territory's dual governance structure. The NC's intensified campaign signals a concerted push to keep statehood restoration at the top of the political agenda.
