Omar Abdullah on Congress party’s statehood push, says NC took initiative first
KINS Desk
Srinagar, July 22 (KINS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken a jibe at the Congress party for protests demanding the restoration of statehood, claiming that it was the National Conference (NC) which first initiated the campaign for the cause.
Speaking to reporters, Omar said, “Why should we step back? We were the first to take this initiative. They remembered this protest after a long time,” he said, according to news agency KINS.
He suggested that the Congress should reach out to the NC if it genuinely seeks a united front on the issue.
“If they want our support, they can talk to us. Our people can also be part of this protest,” Omar said, while stating the importance of coordinated efforts rather than parallel political shows.
The remarks come amid protests led by the Congress party across Jammu and Kashmir and then in Delhi, demanding immediate restoration of statehood, which was revoked in August 2019 when Article 370 was abrogated and the region was downgraded to a Union Territory.
Omar’s comments hint at political unease over the Congress’s independent protest move, even as parties in the region continue to press the Centre for restoration of statehood and democratic rights. (KINS)
