SRINAGAR, June 11: National Conference (NC) president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said his party will not approach any political party in Jammu and Kashmir to join its planned protest in New Delhi demanding the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said any political party willing to participate in the protest is free to do so, but the NC will not seek support from others.
“Whoever wants to join the protest can do so. We are not going to anyone with a begging bowl,” he said.
The National Conference has announced a protest in the national capital on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, seeking the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the party’s vice-president, has appealed to constituents of the INDIA bloc to support the demonstration.
Responding to a question on building a united front on the issue, Farooq Abdullah said there is broad consensus among political parties regarding the demand for statehood.
On the prospects of Jammu and Kashmir regaining its special status, the former chief minister said, “I am not God. Only Allah knows, and those who are in power in Delhi.”
Reiterating the party’s stand, Abdullah said the NC remains committed to the restoration of special status and will continue its constitutional struggle.
“We are already fighting for it. What more do you want? We are not silent. We will continue to fight. We have the constitutional right to protest against what has been taken away from us,” he added.
