Omar Abdullah Expresses Disappointment Over Congress’ Delhi Protest Exclusion, ‘We Came to Know from Newspapers’

Kangan, July 22, KNT: In a measured but unmistakably disappointed tone, National Conference vice president and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed dismay over the Congress party’s decision to exclude his party from the recent protest in New Delhi demanding the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking to reporters in Central Kashmir’s Kangan, Omar Abdullah said that the National Conference was not informed, consulted, or invited by the Congress leadership regarding the Jantar Mantar protest organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) under its “Delhi Chalo” campaign.

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“We found out about the protest from newspapers. Nobody from the Congress party spoke to us or even gave us a hint about it,” Omar remarked. “Had they invited us, we would have gladly participated. We have always supported the demand for full statehood.”

He went on to underline the National Conference’s long-standing commitment to statehood restoration, reminding the media that his party had passed a resolution to this effect both in the J&K Legislative Assembly and in the Cabinet. “We are not newcomers to this demand. We have always stood firm and made our position clear on every forum,” Omar added.

Taking a subtle jab, he remarked, “If Congress has now remembered the importance of statehood for J&K, it’s a good thing, better late than never.” [KNT]