Massive Workers' Convention in Srinagar
The ruling National Conference (NC) staged a massive show of strength on Saturday by holding a grand workers' convention in Srinagar, ahead of its proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. This marks the party's first major political confrontation with the Centre since returning to power.
The convention was held at the mausoleum of NC founder Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and his wife Begum Akbar Jehan at Naseem Bagh in Hazratbal, coinciding with the 26th death anniversary of Begum Jehan. Hundreds of party workers from across the Valley attended, along with senior party leaders, MPs, ministers, and MLAs. Workers arrived from far-flung areas early in the morning.
Pressure Mounts on Omar Abdullah Government
The event comes at a time when the Omar Abdullah-led government faces increasing pressure from within the party and the opposition over the delay in statehood restoration and the dual governance structure that limits the elected government's decision-making powers. After the Assembly elections, the Centre repeatedly stated that statehood would be restored at an "appropriate time." Since taking oath as Chief Minister in October 2024, Omar Abdullah had largely avoided direct confrontation with the Union Government, hoping for statehood through engagement.
However, with no progress on the issue, the NC has intensified its campaign, launching outreach programmes across Jammu and Kashmir to mobilise public support. The party has also invited leaders of political parties in the Union Territory and allies in the INDIA bloc to participate in what it describes as a peaceful and democratic protest on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.
Speeches Focus on Statehood Demand
Following the 'fateha' prayers for Begum Akbar Jehan, almost every speech at the convention centred on the demand for statehood. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said the Centre should not mistake the people's patience for weakness and appealed to all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to rise above differences and join the July 20 protest in Delhi.
Launching a sharp attack on the BJP, Omar alleged that attempts were being made to weaken and divide the ruling NC, marking the party's strongest political offensive against the Centre since assuming office. NC president Farooq Abdullah accused the Centre of failing to honour its commitment to restore statehood.
Farooq Abdullah Recalls PM's Promise
Recalling the all-party meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on June 24, 2021, Farooq Abdullah said he had spoken about the trust deficit between Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir. "The PM then said that the gap will be bridged. But has it happened?" he asked. "We are also humans. We are the crown of India, and not its shoes. We also have respect, and we appeal to you (Prime Minister) to peacefully restore that respect," he said.
Farooq said the Centre had promised to restore statehood but "unfortunately, those promises were not kept." "However, we have not lost courage, and we never will," he asserted. Both Farooq and Omar thanked party workers for turning up in large numbers despite travelling from distant parts of the Valley. Omar also appealed to workers to pray for the speedy recovery of senior NC leader Mustafa Kamal, who is undergoing treatment in hospital and could not attend.
