Srinagar, July 30: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood cannot be achieved through a single protest, asserting that sustained political efforts are required to achieve the objective.
Speaking to reporters without naming the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which has announced a protest on August 5, Omar said the National Conference had already registered its protest in New Delhi ahead of the anniversary of the August 5, 2019 developments.
“We did not wait for August 5. We went to Delhi to register our protest before August 5,” he said.
The Chief Minister maintained that one protest alone would not be enough to restore statehood, adding that even the Cockroach Janata Party did not achieve success through its first agitation.
“We will do on August 5 what we have to do,” he said, indicating that the National Conference would observe the day in its own manner.
Referring to the prevailing situation along the border, Omar said the government was closely watching the developments and expressed concern over reports of innocent civilians being targeted.
“We are all anxious and concerned over the evolving situation along the border across Kashmir where innocents are being targeted. We pray for peace,” he said. [KNT]
