Congress never reached us to amplify statehood demand: CM Omar

Ganderbal, Jul 22: Asserting that the Congress never sought support from National Conference (NC) to bolster their campaign demanding restoration of statehood to J&K, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said that the party did not even hold any discussion with NC over the issue. Congress did not even mention the issue of statehood in the recently-held INDIA bloc meeting, he added.

Speaking to mediapersons in Ganderbal’s Safapora, CM Omar said Congress’ efforts to demand restoration of statehood are evident only through media reports.  “They (Congress) didn’t even raise the issue during the INDIA bloc meeting recently. We are the first one, who raised this demand and brought a resolution in this regard. If they need our support, let them talk to us,” he said.

Omar said that the National Conference was among the first, to formally raise the demand for the return of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. “We passed the resolution in the Cabinet and brought it to the Assembly. Unfortunately, due to prevailing circumstances, the resolution could not be debated,” he said, adding that the party’s position on the matter remains firm and unchanged.

Responding to a query about Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s resignation, Omar said this is the first time that the resignation has come in such a way.

“This is the first time that a Vice President has resigned. It is clear that his health did not permit him to continue in office,” he said. “I pray for his recovery and a long life. Let’s hope that whoever takes over next will uphold the dignity of the post and serve with justice.” Omar said.

Earlier, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the residence of the woman, who was allegedly assaulted and murdered in Safapora last week and assured government support to the victims family.  Omar Abdullah also visited Kangan to offer condolences to JKAS officer and OSD to the Chief Minister Reyaz Ahmad Wani on the passing away of his mother. He was accompanied by the Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chaudhary, MLA Kangan Mian Mehar Ali, Additional Chief Secretary to CM.