Srinagar: 4 July: Jammu and Kashmir’s ruling National Conference (JKNC) is all set to stage a symbolic protest demonstration at New Delhi’s famed Jantar Mantar to demand the return of Statehood for the region.
According to JKNC, the party’s senior leaders, after meeting their President, Farooq Abdullah, J&K’s former Chief Minister, at his residence in Srinagar’s Gupkar, finalised the arrangements for the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar.
The JKNC said that all constituents of the India bloc would receive a formal invitation to participate in the protest. Even the parties not directly associated with the India bloc will be invited, except those ideologically wedded to the idea of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
In a subsequent meeting held at the JKNC Srinagar headquarters, popularly known as Nawa-e-Subah, the party’s provincial working committee reviewed organizational activities and discussed preparations for upcoming programmes, including the arrangements for the upcoming Martyr’s Day, 13 July.
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Meanwhile, deliberating on the proposed protest in Jantar Mantar, the JKNC leaders “discussed the strategy, participation, and other necessary arrangements for the protest, reaffirming the party’s commitment to the restoration of statehood” for Jammu and Kashmir.
The party workers have been asked to “remain united” and “actively participate in the forthcoming programmes”.
The JKNC is under fire from opposition parties for not keeping the promises made in its manifesto made public in 2024. Apart from restoring the special status, semi-autonomy and statehood for Jammu and Kashmir, the JKNC manifesto promised one lakh jobs for the youth of the region, rationalisation of the controversial reservation policy, 200 units of free electricity, more doles for the economically weaker sections of the society, one LPG cylinder for free, ensuring free and vibrant press and much more.
The opposition parties allege that even with over 40 MLAs, the JKNC has failed to deliver and thus shown utter disdain for the mandate.
