Srinagar, July 16 (KINS): National Conference (NC) leader and Advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, on Thursday said the party’s proposed protest in New Delhi on July 20 will be held as scheduled, irrespective of whether official permission is granted.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a condolence meeting at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subah, in memory of senior NC leader Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Wani said party leaders and workers would travel to the national capital ahead of the programme.
“Our programme will go ahead regardless of whether permission is granted. The detailed schedule will be announced in due course,” he said.
Responding to reports that leaders from various political parties, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, had been invited, Wani said it would become clear on July 20 who chooses to participate.
“Those who genuinely care about Jammu and Kashmir, sympathise with its people and stand with them will certainly join us at Jantar Mantar,” he said.
Wani reiterated that the National Conference remains committed to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional rights, stating that the restoration of statehood is a crucial step towards that objective. He said the people had voted for an elected government and not for a system with dual centres of power.
Paying tribute to Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal, Wani described him as a humble politician, distinguished scholar and seasoned political observer with deep knowledge of Jammu and Kashmir’s history and religious affairs.
He said Dr. Kamal’s demise was an irreparable loss for the party, recalling that he remained closely connected with party workers and frequently guided them through his political experience and scholarly insight.
“It will be very difficult for us to fill the void left by his passing,” Wani said.(KINS)
