Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah opted for an auto-rickshaw ride on Monday to join the National Conference’s statehood restoration protest in Delhi. Accompanied by his two sons, he carried a placard during the ride from Jantar Mantar to Prithviraj Road, the revised protest venue. Abdullah explained that the decision to take the auto-rickshaw was to avoid turning his walk into a procession.
The National Conference, led by Dr. Farooq Abdullah, organized the protest demanding the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. The party, along with J&K Congress leaders like Tariq Hamid Karra and Ghulam Ahmad Mir, urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to fulfill his commitment made in Parliament regarding the restoration of statehood. The protesters gathered at the Jammu and Kashmir House during the Monsoon session of Parliament, displaying placards and raising slogans for their cause.
Farooq Abdullah emphasized the importance of fulfilling the promises made by the government regarding the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed hope that the government would prioritize the interests of the people and resolve the issues concerning Ladakh as well. The protest, initially planned at Jantar Mantar, was relocated to Prithviraj Road due to a lack of communication from the Delhi administration regarding permission.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) also made headlines at Jantar Mantar as security forces intervened when protesters attempted to march towards Parliament. The CJP stated that the government had initiated talks with them, with two spokespersons meeting Union minister J. P. Nadda to present their demands.
