Congress to Join NC’s Statehood Protest in Delhi

• Congress to join National Conference’s statehood protest on July 20.
• Omar Abdullah to lead demonstration at Jantar Mantar.
• NC invites INDIA bloc and other opposition parties.
• Congress reiterates demand for “Statehood Plus” for Jammu and Kashmir.

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 17th July: The Congress on Friday announced that it will join the National Conference’s protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on July 20, backing Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s demand for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.

Jammu and Kashmir Congress President Tariq Hamid Karra said the party’s central leadership will participate in the protest, though it is yet to be confirmed whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi will attend.

“National Conference may not have joined our protests for restoration of statehood, but we will surely join the protest they are holding at Jantar Mantar on July 20,” Karra said.

Congress General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the party has opposed the August 5, 2019 decision that revoked Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and downgraded it into a Union Territory. He said the Congress has consistently demanded the restoration of statehood and supports the National Conference’s campaign.

The protest, to be led by Omar Abdullah, has been supported by the National Conference, which has invited leaders of the INDIA bloc and other non-NDA parties to participate. NC president Farooq Abdullah has also written to opposition leaders seeking their support.

Ahead of the demonstration, the Congress sharpened its demand by calling for “Statehood Plus” for Jammu and Kashmir. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera said the party is seeking not only the restoration of statehood but also constitutional safeguards for land and employment rights.

The protest is expected to bring together several opposition parties as they seek to increase pressure on the Centre over the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.