SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah whisked National Conference (NC) legislators and Members of Parliament to Dachigam National Park on the outskirts of Srinagar for a day-long strategy session on Wednesday. The meeting ended with a political call to arms: a protest in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament's monsoon session, demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.
Secret Venue Revealed
Party legislators initially gathered at Omar's Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar before boarding a bus and joining a convoy that many believed was heading to Chashma Shahi, one of the Mughal gardens in Srinagar. The destination remained under wraps until the vehicles rolled towards Dachigam, about 22 kilometers from Srinagar. The park is best known as the habitat of Kashmir's endangered stag, the hangul.
Seeking to puncture suggestions of a last-minute switch, Omar later stated on X (formerly Twitter) that the venue had been chosen well in advance and arrangements were made beforehand. According to him, holding the meeting away from usual political settings was always part of the plan.
Meeting Review and Resolutions
The meeting reviewed the government's performance over the past 18 months and mapped out the party's next political moves. NC spokesman Tanvir Sadiq said participants resolved to intensify the campaign for the restoration of statehood and special status. Party sources indicated that the NC also decided to bring a bill seeking a ban on liquor in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting had drawn attention ever since Omar announced it on May 31. Political circles were already on edge after his remarks at a college function on May 6, where he said: “Trust me, I want to burst like a cloudburst.” He had indicated he would speak more openly on key issues after Eid.
Opposition Reactions
Opposition politicians quickly seized on the choice of venue. Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone took a swipe at the Chief Minister, saying: “So this is the bombshell threatened by CM sahib… Dachigam is actually symbolic for today’s congregation. It is secluded, isolated, entry is restricted. That actually sums up the state of the government. Aloof, secluded, isolated and entry restricted.”
PDP’s Iltija Mufti joined with a quip aimed at elected representatives: “In Kashmir, MLAs are more endangered than hangul. Must designate a special separate wildlife park for them.”
Background on Statehood
Jammu and Kashmir lost its statehood on August 5, 2019, when the central government abrogated Article 370, revoked the region's special constitutional status, and bifurcated the former state into two Union territories, including Ladakh. Since then, parties across Kashmir's political spectrum, including the National Conference and the People's Democratic Party, have repeatedly demanded the restoration of full statehood. The central government has publicly committed to restoring statehood at an appropriate stage, but the timeline remains unclear.
