Statehood Key to Restoring J&K's Special Status: Omar Abdullah

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday said the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory was imperative for the eventual restoration of its special status.

Abdullah asserted that the National Conference will keep reminding the Centre of its promise to restore Jammu and Kashmir's statehood and expressed hope that the commitment would be fulfilled.

"Jammu and Kashmir's statehood is imperative for its special status. The NC will continue to remind the Centre of its promise of restoration of J&K's statehood, and we hope that it will fulfil its commitment," Abdullah said.

The chief minister was in Delhi on Monday to stage a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, but was stopped by police from moving towards the protest venue due to the heavy deployment of police personnel for the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest.

"Statehood protest in Delhi was just the beginning and not the end," the National Conference (NC) leader said.

He sought to reassure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the party remained committed to promises it had made.

"I assure my people we stand by our promises and will remain steadfast. A new strategy and programme will soon be decided by the party leadership," the chief minister said.