Fight for J&K Statehood Will Continue Until Restoration: Omar Abdullah

RAJOURI/JAMMU, Aug 6: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the fight for the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would continue until the goal is achieved, reaffirming the commitment of his government and the National Conference (NC) to the issue. GeographicReference Responding to a question on whether more steps would be taken after protests held across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday demanding the restoration of statehood, Abdullah said, “Yes. We will continue our efforts until statehood is restored.” The Chief Minister made the remarks while interacting with reporters after reviewing relief, restoration and rehabilitation measures in flood-affected areas of Rajouri district. His statement comes days after he and National Conference president Farooq Abdullah led a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, pressing for the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two Union Territories following the abrogation of Article 370 and the bifurcation of the erstwhile state on August 5, 2019. The National Conference has consistently maintained that restoring full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir remains one of its foremost political commitments and has pledged to continue its campaign until the demand is fulfilled.