Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has affirmed the National Conference’s unwavering commitment to staging a protest in New Delhi on the inaugural day of Parliament’s monsoon session. The demonstration aims to vigorously advocate for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The party recently declared its intention to hold a significant demonstration in the nation’s capital, a move that has garnered attention ahead of the parliamentary proceedings.
Abdullah, speaking to reporters in the Valley, reiterated that there has been no alteration to the party’s planned course of action. “First of all, there is no change in that plan,” he stated, emphasizing the strong resolve to proceed with the protest. The core demand, he explained, is the reinstatement of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, a promise he believes must be honored. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that the National Conference intends to use this protest as a means to remind the central government of its commitments, made in various high-profile forums including the Supreme Court, Parliament, and numerous public platforms.
The Chief Minister also disclosed that the restoration of statehood was a prominent topic during his recent interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He elaborated on the discussions, which encompassed not only statehood but also the prevailing financial situation in Jammu and Kashmir and strategies to expedite developmental initiatives within the Union Territory. Abdullah expressed optimism that these discussions would ultimately translate into tangible benefits for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the ongoing dialogue between the Union Territory’s administration and the central government.
In a separate but related matter, Abdullah addressed questions concerning the reservation review file. He indicated that the issue was nearing resolution and was expected to be finalized within a few days, pending the completion of necessary formalities by the Cabinet. He detailed the process, explaining that the Cabinet Sub-Committee had prepared its report, which was subsequently approved by the Cabinet. Following this approval, the report was forwarded to the Lieutenant Governor and subsequently referred to the central government. The Chief Minister further clarified that the Central Government had requested certain clarifications, leading to the file’s return to the administration. He assured that the relevant department had diligently prepared responses to all queries posed by the Centre, completing this exercise a few days prior. A subsequent Cabinet meeting would convene to approve the revised report before it is sent back to the Central Government for final consideration.
On a different international note, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah conveyed his hope that the recently brokered agreement aimed at ending the conflict between the United States and Iran would hold firm until its formal signing. The official signing of the accord, intended to permanently conclude the three-month confrontation in the Gulf region, is scheduled to take place in Switzerland on Friday. Abdullah, speaking on the sidelines of an event, acknowledged the inherent uncertainties surrounding such high-stakes diplomatic agreements. “Neither you nor I know what is in that peace deal,” he remarked, adding that the specifics were likely known primarily to the United States, Iran, and to some extent, Pakistan. He expressed a collective hope that the hostilities would cease definitively and that the critical Strait of Hormuz would be reopened. Abdullah also highlighted the importance of acknowledging the perceived injustices and significant asset losses suffered by Iran, particularly in light of their position as not being the instigators of the conflict, suggesting these aspects should be addressed within the final accord.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
Leave a Reply