Says Party Has Been Seeking Approval for Several Days; Claims Other Groups Changed Dates to Overlap NC Event
Srinagar, July 10 :
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the ruling National Conference (NC) is still awaiting official permission to hold its proposed July 20 statehood restoration protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, alleging that efforts are being made to undermine the programme by scheduling other events on the same date.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the unveiling of the Kashmir Marathon 2026 merchandise, Omar Abdullah, as per the Kashmir News Corporation (KNC), said the party had applied for permission several days ago but approval has yet to be granted.
“We have been seeking permission for the last four to five days. Others received permission within 24 hours, but we are still waiting,” the Chief Minister said.
Alleging attempts to derail the planned protest, Omar claimed that certain political groups had deliberately altered their schedules to coincide with the National Conference’s programme.
“Some people are trying to disrupt our programme. They changed their dates and overlapped them with ours,” he said.
The Chief Minister also announced that the National Conference would hold a party meeting on July 11, during which key political matters, including the party’s strategy on the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, would be discussed.
“I do not want to turn today’s event into a National Conference press conference. Tomorrow’s programme will answer many of the questions being raised today. If anything remains unanswered, I will address it during my visit to Jammu on July 12,” Omar Abdullah said.
The National Conference has been actively advocating for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and has proposed the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar as part of its ongoing political campaign. (KNC)