Will Proceed to Delhi Even If Jantar Mantar Protest Permission Is Denied: Omar Abdullah
His remarks came at a moment of political tension, internal grief, and escalating accusations of deliberate attempts to undermine the NC’s mobilisation.
Srinagar: National Conference (NC) Vice President and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said that the party will proceed to New Delhi on July 19 and hold its planned protest on July 20 to press for the restoration of statehood, regardless of whether permission is granted for the demonstration at Jantar Mantar. His remarks came at a moment of political tension, internal grief, and escalating accusations of deliberate attempts to undermine the NC’s mobilisation.
Speaking to reporters here, Abdullah reiterated that the party’s stand on the restoration of J&K’s “snatched rights” remains unwavering. He said the NC would not alter its programme under any circumstances, including the passing of senior party leader and his uncle Dr. Mustafa Kamal. He recalled that even when Kamal’s health deteriorated sharply on July 11, doctors had warned the family that he might not survive. “Despite this, NC President Dr. Farooq (Abdullah) Sahib instructed party leaders to continue with their scheduled political engagements. The party went ahead with its Jammu programme on July 12, and that if that event was not cancelled during a moment of personal crisis, there is no question of cancelling the July 20 protest,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he has already directed party leaders to leave for New Delhi on July 19, permission or no permission. He noted that the NC has been waiting for official clearance for days, while other organisations have received approval within 24 hours. The NC sources pointed to Panun Kashmir—an organisation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits advocating a separate homeland within the Kashmir Valley for the minority Brahmin Hindu community—which has been granted permission to hold its protest at Jantar Mantar on July 20, the same day the NC has sought for its rally. Panun Kashmir even preponed its event, a move the NC views as part of a broader pattern of attempts to dilute or overshadow its demonstration.
Back in J&K, the BJP has announced a series of protests, including one at Srinagar’s iconic Lal Chowk, targeting governance issues and alleging that the Abdullah government’s job outsourcing policy amounts to an “appointment scam” favouring backdoor recruitment. The NC interprets the timing and official facilitation of these programmes as a coordinated effort to sabotage its planned protest in New Delhi or at least diminish its impact.
Despite these developments, Abdullah emphasised that the NC would continue to exercise patience while keeping alternative plans ready. “We know how to remain patient. We will wait, but we will also keep our alternate plan ready,” he said.
The political backdrop to Abdullah’s statements has been charged. Last week, he strongly defended the NC’s decision to protest in New Delhi, asserting that the party had waited nearly two years for the restoration of statehood. Responding to BJP leaders who argued that statehood would not be restored through protests in the capital, Abdullah asked pointedly where else the people of J&K should raise their demand. In a sharp rhetorical flourish, he remarked that if justice could not be sought in the country’s capital, “should we then ask Donald Trump for it?” His opponents seized on the comment, accusing him of threatening to internationalise the issue and questioning his patriotism. The Chief Minister dismissed the criticism, saying his detractors had failed to grasp the essence of his statement.
Throughout his remarks, Abdullah maintained that the NC’s programme would not be altered. “We will definitely leave for Delhi on July 19. Even if we do not get permission for Jantar Mantar, we will reach Delhi, sit together and decide our next course of action there,” he reiterated on Wednesday.
Later, after paying tributes to Kamal, Abdullah described his uncle’s passing as both a personal and political loss. He recalled Kamal’s long public service career—as a doctor, legislator, and minister—and his dedication to the poor, including running a free medical clinic in Tangmarg even while serving as Health Minister. Kamal’s electoral journey spanned Tangmarg, Patan, and Hazratbal, and Abdullah said the large turnout of mourners reflected the profound impact he had on people’s lives.
