Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday stated that the National Conference (NC) is still awaiting permission from authorities to hold its proposed protest at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar on July 20, aimed at pressing for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.
Allegations of Sabotage
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event, Abdullah alleged that some individuals were trying to "sabotage" the party's plans. "On July 20, a programme is scheduled to take place, provided we get permission. We have been trying to secure permission for the past four to five days," he said.
Referring to permission granted to the Cockroach Janta Party for its protest, Abdullah remarked that while the digital outfit received approval within 24 hours, the NC's request was still pending. "We have been trying for four to five days. Some people are engaged in sabotaging our programme. They have changed their dates and matched them with ours," he added, without naming anyone.
Mobilisation and Invitations
The National Conference has intensified its campaign ahead of the proposed protest, launching outreach programmes across Jammu and Kashmir to mobilise support for the restoration of statehood. The party has invited 52 political and religious leaders from across the country to participate in what it has described as a "peaceful, democratic protest" on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.
"This is not about one party, one region or one people. It is about defending India's federal spirit, upholding the Constitution and demanding the long-overdue restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood, as repeatedly promised. We hope every democratic voice across the country will stand united in this collective cause," the party said in a statement.
Prominent Invitees
Among the prominent invitees are Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi; Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav; BSP president Mayawati; RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav; NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar; Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray; AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal; SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal; CPI leader D Raja; and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal.
Leaders from Jammu and Kashmir invited to the protest include former chief ministers Ghulam Nabi Azad and Mehbooba Mufti, J&K BJP president Sat Paul Sharma, Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari, Peoples Conference chairman Sajjad Lone, J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra, CPM leader MY Tarigami and Awami Ittehad Party chief and MP Engineer Rashid.
Religious Leaders Invited
Religious leaders invited include Kashmir's chief cleric and Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Grand Mufti Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday urged that the proposed agitation should go beyond the demand for statehood and also seek the restoration of Articles 370 and 35A, the release of political prisoners and a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Apni Party Declines Participation
While the NC awaits responses from the invitees, the Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party has indicated that it is unlikely to participate, questioning the National Conference government's development record.
