no-change-in-nc-s-delhi-protest-says-cm-omar-abdullah

 

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20 will go ahead as scheduled despite the demise of senior party leader and Additional General Secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal.

 

 

The National Conference high command has directed all its Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) to reach New Delhi by July 19 to participate in the party's proposed protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20.According to the directions issued by the party leadership, all legislators have been asked to ensure their presence in the national capital without waiting for formal permission or any further communication.

 

Speaking to reporters after paying tributes to the late leader, CM Omar Abdullah, said there would be no change in the party’s programme, adding that Dr. Mustafa Kamal himself wanted the restoration of the “snatched rights” of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

 

“There will be no change in our protest. Dr. Mustafa Kamal also wanted our snatched rights to be restored,” Omar said.The Chief Minister revealed that Dr. Kamal’s health had deteriorated suddenly on July 11, and doctors had indicated that his condition was critical.

 

“Even then, National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah instructed me that whatever happened, our Jammu programme on July 12 had to continue. We were not prepared to cancel that programme, and similarly, the July 19 programme will also continue,” he said.Omar said the party is still awaiting permission from Delhi Police for the proposed protest but asserted that the National Conference leadership will reach Delhi regardless.

 

“I have told my colleagues that whether we get permission for Jantar Mantar or not, we will definitely go to Delhi on July 19. If permission is denied, we will sit together there and decide our next course of action,” he said.

 

During a recent address at Hazratbal, Omar Abdullah said the National Conference had pursued the issue of statehood through dialogue for nearly two years but was now compelled to adopt a democratic and peaceful mode of protest as the promise of restoring statehood remained unfulfilled.

 

 

Recalling Dr. Mustafa Kamal’s contribution to public service, Omar Abdullah said he dedicated his life to serving the poor, particularly through his free medical clinic in Tangmarg, which he continued to run even while serving as Health Minister.