Srinagar, Jun 11: National Conference (NC) President Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said his party would not approach political parties in Jammu and Kashmir to join the proposed protest in New Delhi for restoration of statehood, asserting that any party wishing to participate was free to do so.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Abdullah said the NC would hold a protest in the national capital on the opening day of the forthcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.
"Whoever wants to join the protest can do so. We are not going to anyone with a begging bowl," Abdullah said when asked whether the NC would invite other political parties from Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the demonstration.
His remarks come days after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the vice-president of the National Conference, urged constituents of the INDIA bloc to support the party's campaign for restoration of statehood.
On whether there was a need for political unity on the issue, Abdullah said all parties in Jammu and Kashmir were united as far as the demand for statehood was concerned.
"This is the need of the hour to get united for the restoration of statehood. We are all united as far as statehood is concerned," he said.
On the possibility of Jammu and Kashmir regaining its special constitutional status, the former chief minister said the matter rested with those in power.
"I am not God. Only Allah knows, and the people who are in power in Delhi. But National Conference will continue to fight for it. We are already fighting. What more do you want? We are not silent. We will continue to fight. Constitutionally, we have the right to protest for what has been taken away from us," he said.
Abdullah also criticised the existing governance structure in the Union Territory, alleging that the elected government did not enjoy adequate powers.
"People say the National Conference has failed to address the grievances of the people. They do not realise the difficulties under which we are working. The powers are divided. His Excellency ((LG) has most of the powers when he should not have those powers. He is a nominee from Delhi. The people have elected a government here. The elected government should have the powers, not the Lieutenant Governor," he said.
Referring to the political situation in PoK, Abdullah expressed concern over reports of unrest and alleged human rights violations in the region. He appealed to the United Nations to send a fact-finding team to assess the situation on the ground.
"A part of that region is facing serious difficulties. The complete information is not coming out. I appeal to the United Nations Human Rights Committee to go there and see what kind of problems the people are facing so that we and the entire world know what they are going through. They should investigate and help resolve the problems of the people there," he said.
Responding to a question on Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 12 years in office, Abdullah said genuine stability would come only when the aspirations and dignity of the people of Jammu and Kashmir were addressed.
"It will be stable when they realise that we are human beings and that we joined India on certain conditions. Those conditions should be reviewed and our honour restored. The reason for instability is the neglect of the state," he said.
The NC has announced that its leaders, legislators and workers will stage a protest outside Parliament during the Monsoon Session to intensify pressure on the Centre for restoration of statehood, a demand repeatedly raised by the party since Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into a Union Territory in August 2019.
