The National Conference is awaiting official permission from Delhi Police to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20, demanding the restoration of statehood for Jammu and Kashmir. Party leader Omar Abdullah confirmed that they have been trying to secure the necessary clearance for the past four to five days.
Omar Abdullah's Statement
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the unveiling of the Kashmir Marathon 2026 merchandise, Omar Abdullah said, “We have been trying to get permission for the last four to five days (for protest at Jantar Mantar).” He did not provide further details on the status of the application but expressed hope that the permission would be granted in time.
Demand for Statehood
The protest is part of the National Conference's ongoing campaign to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, which was revoked in August 2019 when the region was reorganized into two union territories. The party has consistently argued that statehood is essential for the democratic rights and governance of the people in the region.
Kashmir Marathon 2026
The event where Abdullah made the remarks was the launch of merchandise for the Kashmir Marathon 2026, an annual event aimed at promoting sports and tourism in the valley. The marathon is expected to draw participants from across the country and abroad.
Political Context
The National Conference's protest comes amid heightened political activity in Jammu and Kashmir, with several parties demanding the restoration of statehood. The central government has indicated that statehood could be restored at an appropriate time, but no timeline has been announced.
