Says July 20 Jantar Mantar Protest Is for Restoration of Statehood; Invites Political Parties, Religious Leaders and Civil Society to Join
Srinagar, July 12: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday defended the National Conference’s decision to invite Mirwaiz Umar Farooq to the proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, alleging that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was creating an unnecessary controversy to distract from the central demand of restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Addressing the criticism surrounding the invitation, Omar Abdullah said the demonstration is a collective movement seeking the restoration of statehood and not a platform for political confrontation. He said invitations have been extended to political parties, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, trade bodies and other stakeholders to ensure broad-based participation in the campaign.
The Chief Minister said there should be no objection to inviting Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who heads the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulama (MMU), describing him as an important religious representative in Jammu and Kashmir. He maintained that the outreach was part of an inclusive approach aimed at bringing together different sections of society for a common democratic cause.
Omar Abdullah accused the BJP of attempting to shift public discourse away from the long-pending issue of statehood restoration by raising questions over the invitation. He termed the controversy “manufactured” and said the focus should instead remain on the Union Government’s commitment to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.
Reiterating the National Conference’s stand, the Chief Minister said the proposed protest is meant to unite people beyond political affiliations and ideological differences. He asserted that the demand for statehood is a matter concerning every resident of Jammu and Kashmir and should not be viewed through a partisan lens.
The National Conference has invited several political parties from Jammu and Kashmir, including the BJP, Congress, PDP, Apni Party and Peoples Conference, besides reaching out to national and regional parties across the country, irrespective of their political alliances. Invitations have also been extended to religious organisations, trade associations and civil society groups.
The July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar will coincide with the Monsoon Session of Parliament and is intended to intensify the demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, urging the Union Government to honour its repeated assurances on the issue. (KNC)
