Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday announced a fresh phase of protests beginning July 20 in Delhi against the central government over the "unexplained delay" in restoring statehood to the Union Territory. Addressing a public rally in Jammu, Abdullah said his party, the National Conference, has waited for two years after the assembly election in the hope that the Centre would restore statehood.
Two-Year Wait Leads to New Strategy
"We have given the Central government enough time. For nearly two years, we pursued talks for the restoration of statehood. Now we will adopt a new strategy," Abdullah said. He questioned the Centre's repeated deferral of statehood to an "appropriate time," wondering what that appropriate time constitutes and whether it means the BJP coming to power in Jammu and Kashmir.
Abdullah challenged the BJP leaders who criticized the National Conference's Jantar Mantar protest, saying, "If not in Delhi, then where?" He added, "If decisions concerning a part of our own country cannot be taken in our own national capital, where are they supposed to be taken?"
BJP Accused of Using Statehood as Bait
The National Conference leader accused the BJP of using statehood as a bait to wield as a political instrument rather than fulfilling a constitutional commitment. "If it is Modi's promise made on the soil of Katra, then it should be honoured," he said, referring to the prime minister's promise to restore statehood. Abdullah also referred to the Supreme Court calling for statehood restoration "as soon as possible" after the completion of the electoral process. "Those are not my words; they are the words of the Supreme Court," he said.
Centre Accused of Punishing People
Abdullah alleged that the Centre was punishing the people of Jammu and Kashmir by withholding statehood. "The people of Jammu stood with the nation whenever the country faced challenges. Border districts bore the brunt of shelling, and Jammu opened its doors to those displaced by militancy. What crime have the people committed that they continue to be denied statehood?" he asked. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, Abdullah said that during post-Partition violence, the father of the nation had termed Jammu and Kashmir a symbol of communal harmony. He wondered whether the region was now being penalized for upholding the ideals of Hindu-Muslim-Sikh unity.
Peaceful Campaign Until Statehood Regained
Abdullah said the National Conference would continue its campaign through democratic and peaceful means until Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood. "We will continue knocking on the doors of our own nation's capital. We will continue reminding the country's leadership of the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We only ask that those promises be honoured," he said. The chief minister, who reached Jammu by road, said he left Srinagar at 6 am to seek permission from the people for a protest in Delhi. "We were forced to come on the roads after the talks failed. The July 20 protest will be the start of our agitation in support of the demand," Abdullah said, as the crowd raised hands in support.
