Srinagar, July 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that representatives of civil society have extended support to National Conference’s proposed July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for statehood restoration, saying that all regional parties will also be invited.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, CM Omar said around 170 representatives from different sections of society, including religious leaders, traders, educationists, retired bureaucrats and tourism stakeholders, attended a meeting that lasted nearly three hours.
“It was not a delegation but a meeting of the civil society. Everyone, without exception, stressed that the restoration of statehood has already been delayed for too long and should not be denied any further,” he said.
The Chief Minister said the meeting adopted a resolution urging the Centre to restore statehood and they also supported the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
He also said invitations are being sent to all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir. “National Conference president Farooq Abdullah will also invite leaders of the INDIA bloc as well as regional parties. We hope they will join us and support this protest,” he said.
On being askeed about reports that 1,544 schools in Jammu and Kashmir are functioning with a single teacher, CM Omar said the figures were based on an old report, not the current situation and the government would provide updated figures in the Assembly.
The Chief Minister also said Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke to him about the weather situation after heavy rainfall affected parts of the Chenab Valley and Kathua.
“The Home Minister called to enquire about the situation. I briefed him, and he assured all possible assistance,” he said. (KNO)
