Srinagar, June 3 (JKNS): The ruling National Conference (NC) Legislature Party has decided to hold a protest in New Delhi on the first day of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and constitutional guarantees, senior NC leader and Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters after the NC Legislature Party meeting, as per news agency JKNS, Tanvir Sadiq said the party has resolved to take its demands directly to the national capital.
“The Legislature Party has decided that on the first day of the Monsoon Session, we will go to Delhi and protest, either at Jantar Mantar or another suitable venue, to demand restoration of statehood and constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir,” Sadiq said.
He said the meeting witnessed detailed discussions on a range of issues affecting different regions of Jammu and Kashmir, including development concerns, drug abuse, social issues and matters relating to Jammu, Kashmir, Pir Panjal and Chenab Valley.
“There was a threadbare discussion on all important issues. The Chief Minister patiently listened to everyone and all legislators participated in the deliberations,” Sadiq said.
Referring to the party’s political agenda, Sadiq said the leadership believes the time has come to intensify efforts for restoration of what was taken away from Jammu and Kashmir after the constitutional changes of 2019.
“Statehood remains our long-pending demand. We will go to Delhi and raise our voice for restoration of our constitutional guarantees and rights,” he said.
MLA Sadiq said the meeting was attended by all National Conference MLAs, supporting Independent legislators and Members of Parliament associated with the party.
When asked about the possibility of a Cabinet expansion, Sadiq declined to comment, saying the matter falls within the domain of the Chief Minister.
“That is the prerogative of the Honourable Chief Minister. He will take a decision whenever he feels it is appropriate,” he said.
The NC Legislature Party meeting was held earlier in the day at Dachigam after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah led party legislators and allies to the venue for an off-site deliberation. (JKNS)
