Jammu: The National Conference (NC) will go ahead with its planned protest in the national capital on Monday demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, despite uncertainty over the venue and the absence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has returned to Jammu to oversee the flood situation in the Jammu division.
The protest has been scheduled to coincide with the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, with the NC seeking to highlight its demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.
The party had initially sought permission to hold the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, but Delhi Police had not granted approval till Sunday evening. With another organisation also planning a march towards Parliament from the same area over alleged examination irregularities, authorities have tightened security arrangements and imposed restrictions to prevent any law and order situation.
Delhi Police has offered Ramlila Maidan as an alternative venue for the NC protest, but the proposal was reportedly not accepted by party leaders.
The NC leadership, headed by party president Dr Farooq Abdullah, held a meeting on Sunday evening to discuss the protest strategy and alternative arrangements. Party sources said the demonstration will proceed as planned despite logistical challenges.
Several NC legislators and ministers have already reached Delhi for the protest, while party leaders maintained that the demand for statehood restoration remains a key political issue.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who was scheduled to lead the protest in Delhi, changed his plans and returned to Jammu following the devastating flash floods and landslides in Poonch and Rajouri districts that left several people dead and caused extensive damage to property.
Soon after reaching Jammu, Abdullah chaired a high-level emergency meeting at the Civil Secretariat to review the flood situation and ongoing rescue operations. Senior administrative officials, including deputy commissioners from affected districts, briefed the Chief Minister through video conferencing.
Abdullah directed officials to remain on high alert and ensure immediate deployment of resources for rescue, relief and rehabilitation efforts. He stressed the need for quick restoration of essential services and assistance to families affected by the natural disaster.
The Chief Minister had earlier said that he was closely monitoring the situation and had been in touch with local legislators from the affected areas.
“In light of the weather warning issued by the Meteorological Department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground,” Abdullah said in a post on X.
He added that the administration’s first priority was to safeguard lives and provide all possible assistance to people who suffered losses due to heavy rains and flash floods.
Party sources said Abdullah is likely to remain in Jammu overnight to monitor rescue and relief operations. He is expected to review the situation again on Monday before deciding whether he can travel to Delhi to participate in the protest.
The NC has said the July 20 demonstration will continue under the leadership of Farooq Abdullah, even as the party balances its political programme with the ongoing flood emergency in Jammu and Kashmir.
