Srinagar, July 21 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said restoration of statehood remains the National Conference’s top priority and asserted that discussions on constitutional guarantees and special status can only meaningfully take place after statehood is restored.
Addressing a press conference organised by the National Conference here, Omar Abdullah said the party would continue its agitation until the Centre fulfils its commitment to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the recent National Conference programme in New Delhi was aimed at reminding the Centre of its assurance on statehood and was not confined to any single political party.
“We invited all political parties because this is not an issue of one party or one government. It concerns the people of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
The chief minister criticised opposition parties for staying away from the campaign, alleging that some political groups attempted to weaken the movement instead of supporting it.
Abdullah said statehood is a prerequisite for any discussion on Jammu and Kashmir’s constitutional guarantees.
“What is the meaning of Article 370 without statehood?” he asked, adding that constitutional provisions relating to the distribution of powers require the existence of a state.
“Without statehood, everything remains under the Union List. Statehood is the foundation. Once that is restored, discussions on constitutional guarantees can follow,” he said.
He said the Assembly had already passed a resolution seeking restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional position and maintained that the National Conference had not abandoned its commitment to constitutional rights.
Abdullah reiterated that the party’s agitation would continue in different forms until the Centre restores statehood.
“This is only the beginning. We will continue reminding the Central Government of its promise until Jammu and Kashmir regains full statehood,” he said.
The chief minister also highlighted the participation of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah in the recent protest, describing it as a strong message in support of the party’s campaign.
He thanked party workers who travelled to New Delhi to participate in the protest, saying they did so voluntarily.(NVI)
