KINS Correspondent
Srinagar, June 15 (KINS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the National Conference-led government remains firm on its demand for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and confirmed that the planned protest in New Delhi on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session will take place as scheduled.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event at SKICC, Omar Abdullah as per news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) said there was no change in the party’s programme and that the struggle for statehood would continue until the promise made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir is fulfilled.
“We had promised the people that we would fight for the restoration of statehood, and that commitment remains unchanged. The protest in Delhi will go ahead as planned,” he said.
The Chief Minister said his government would continue to raise the issue at every available platform and press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
On the reservation issue, Omar Abdullah said the government had already completed its part of the process. He explained that the Cabinet Sub-Committee’s recommendations were approved by the Cabinet and forwarded to the Central Government through the Lieutenant Governor.
However, he said, the Centre sought certain clarifications and returned the file. The concerned department has now prepared the required responses, which will be placed before the Cabinet again before being sent back to New Delhi.
“The clarifications have been prepared and the file will be brought before the Cabinet once more. After approval, it will be forwarded to the Central Government,” he said, expressing hope that the matter would move forward soon.
Abdullah reiterated that his government is committed to addressing reservation-related concerns while ensuring that all procedures are completed within the legal and administrative framework.
Referring to the upcoming Muharram observances and the annual Amarnath Yatra, the Chief Minister said extensive preparations had been made after consultations with officials, ministers and community representatives. He said the administration had been working on the arrangements for over a month and hoped devotees and pilgrims would not face any major difficulties.
Welcoming the Amarnath pilgrims, Omar Abdullah expressed hope that the Yatra would be conducted peacefully and successfully. He also said prayers offered by pilgrims for peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir would be warmly welcomed.
Commenting on reports of a possible agreement between the United States and Iran, CM said it would be premature to react before the details of the proposed deal become public.
“We should wait until the agreement is formally signed and its contents are known. Only then can any meaningful comment be made,” he said.
Expressing hope for lasting peace, the Chief Minister said he wished for an end to the conflict, restoration of stability in the region, and adequate support and compensation for those affected by the war.(KINS)
