Srinagar, July 15 (JKNS): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said the National Conference’s proposed protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 19 will go ahead as scheduled despite the demise of senior party leader and Additional General Secretary Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal.
Speaking to reporters after paying tributes to the late leader, CM Omar Abdullah, as per news agency JKNS, 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.
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.
“He touched the lives of countless people. Seeing the large number of people gathered today reflects the respect and affection he earned through his lifetime of public service,” Omar said, expressing gratitude to all those who came to pay their last respects. (JKNS)
