Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary addresses a press conference, in Jammu. (PTI Photo) SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) on Monday announced that its MLAs and MPs will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, the first day of Monsoon Session of Parliament, to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.J&K’s deputy CM Surinder Choudhary said that ahead of the protest, his party NC will organize public rallies in Srinagar on July 11 and in Jammu on July 12. “CM Omar Abdullah will address these rallies and will argue for restoration of statehood,” he said.Choudhary said PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah had assured the people of J&K that statehood would be restored after the state Assembly polls. He said despite the formation of the elected government 18 months ago, the promise remained unfulfilled.“The absence of statehood is affecting employment generation and development funding. Jammu and Kashmir’s expenditure and administrative responsibilities remained comparable to those of a state, but its financial allocation is at par with that of a union territory. It is being treated at par with Ladakh UT,” he said.Choudhary said all political parties committed to the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir should join the NC on July 20.J&K lost its statehood on Aug 5, 2019, when Centre abrogated Article 370, revoked the region’s special constitutional status and bifurcated the former state into two UTs, J&K and Ladakh. Since then, parties across Kashmir’s political spectrum, including NC and PDP, have repeatedly demanded restoration of statehood. Centre had publicly committed to restoring statehood at an appropriate stage but given no timeline.On June 3, NC announced a one-day protest at Jantar Mantar on the issue. Later, on June 11, Omar met the prime minister in New Delhi raising the issue of statehood with him.But after the meeting, Omar said there has been no change in his plan to hold a protest in New Delhi. “Commitments have been made in the Supreme Court, Parliament and at various public functions to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. To remind the Centre of these commitments, we will go to Delhi and put forward our views at Jantar Mantar,” the CM had said.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosRam Mandir Trust Meeting: Champat Rai’s Resignation Accepted, Donated Items Put On DisplayPM Modi Praises BJP Chief Nitin Nabin After Kejriwal’s ‘Who Are You’ Remark | WatchBaruipur Rape Horror: Mamata Leads Protest, CM Suvendu Vows to Ensure Death PenaltyRam Mandir Trust Chief Demands Strict Action As Donation Probe Intensifies FurtherIran Terms India’s Attendance At Khamenei Funeral ‘Deeply Valued Gesture’, Sends Formal GratitudeWedding, Car, Cash Gifts: Ram Temple Donation ‘Theft’ Accused’s Rs 19 Lakh Spending TrailMajor Landslide Hits Mumbai-Pune’s ‘Missing Link’; Flooding And Diversions Trigger Long Traffic JamsCongress Vows Fierce Fight Against Bill To Remove Ministers After 30 Days In CustodyAAP MP Sanjay Singh Targets VHP Chief Over Ram Mandir Probe, Demands Wider InvestigationGymkhana Club Challenges Eviction Notice, Delhi High Court Issues Notice To Centre | Watch123PhotostoriesFrom the nightingale to the canary: 5 birds with the world’s most beautiful songs6 pet fish that can live for several years with proper care: Long-living aquarium fish perfect for beginners and experienced owners8 everyday habits that kids raised in the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s rarely needed reminders for and what today’s parents can learn from them10 weird fruit trees you won’t believe actually existKangana Ranaut’s blue Leheriya saree is the bold airport fashion statement of the seasonCopperhead vs Water snake: 6 easy ways to tell the difference quickly7 summer potato salads that are filling, nutritious and finger-licking deliciousJEE Advanced AIR 2 Kabir Chhillar shares 5 smart prediction tips that worked for himThe biggest mistake people make in the gym? Hyderabad-based doctor says doing cardio before weights could be hurting your fitness goals7 health benefits of chewing cloves every morning: From fresher breath to better digestion, and more123Hot PicksRam temple donationITR filing FY 2025-26Khamenei funeralThomas TuchelMumbai school holidayKimi AntonelliBank holidayMumbai schools holidayMumbai-Pune expresswayTop TrendingOzempic ShaadiAgnipath Scheme ReviewNainital Sex RacketFIFA World Cup 2026Bengal rapeRam temple donationMumbai rainBank holiday todayKanpur Woman AssaultKCET mock seat allotment
SRINAGAR: The National Conference (NC) on Monday announced that its MLAs and MPs will stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, the first day of Monsoon Session of Parliament, to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood.J&K’s deputy CM Surinder Choudhary said that ahead of the protest, his party NC will organize public rallies in Srinagar on July 11 and in Jammu on July 12. “CM Omar Abdullah will address these rallies and will argue for restoration of statehood,” he said.Choudhary said PM Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah had assured the people of J&K that statehood would be restored after the state Assembly polls. He said despite the formation of the elected government 18 months ago, the promise remained unfulfilled.“The absence of statehood is affecting employment generation and development funding. Jammu and Kashmir’s expenditure and administrative responsibilities remained comparable to those of a state, but its financial allocation is at par with that of a union territory. It is being treated at par with Ladakh UT,” he said.Choudhary said all political parties committed to the interests of the people of Jammu and Kashmir should join the NC on July 20.J&K lost its statehood on Aug 5, 2019, when Centre abrogated Article 370, revoked the region’s special constitutional status and bifurcated the former state into two UTs, J&K and Ladakh. Since then, parties across Kashmir’s political spectrum, including NC and PDP, have repeatedly demanded restoration of statehood. Centre had publicly committed to restoring statehood at an appropriate stage but given no timeline.On June 3, NC announced a one-day protest at Jantar Mantar on the issue. Later, on June 11, Omar met the prime minister in New Delhi raising the issue of statehood with him.But after the meeting, Omar said there has been no change in his plan to hold a protest in New Delhi. “Commitments have been made in the Supreme Court, Parliament and at various public functions to restore statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. To remind the Centre of these commitments, we will go to Delhi and put forward our views at Jantar Mantar,” the CM had said.
