Would have joined Congress protest in Delhi for statehood if invited: CM's Advisor

Kupwara (Sogam), Jul 23: Senior National Conference leader and Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Tuesday said his party would have certainly joined the protest in support of restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir registered by Congress at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, had they been invited.

He was talking to reporters on the sidelines of the 44th death anniversary of Ghulam Nabi Wani Sogami, a reputed leader known for his lifelong dedication to public service and the welfare of the people of Kupwara.

To a question about the ongoing Parliament session, Nasir said that "National Conference MPs should raise the issue of restoration of statehood in the House." Wani said that it is the same Parliament where both the Prime Minister and the Home Minister had promised a stepwise restoration of statehood, first delimitation, then holding assembly elections, and finally restoration of statehood. "If delimitation and elections have already been held, then why is the restoration of statehood being delayed?" Wani asked.

While criticising PDP, he said, "had PDP not formed an alliance with the BJP in 2014, Jammu and Kashmir would not have lost its special status, including Article 370 and 35 A.'

While commenting on recent allegations made by MLA Kupwara Mir Fayaz, who accused him of "political trespassing" in the constituency, Wani dismissed the claim outright, saying, "I am a citizen of Kupwara and have every right to move freely in the constituency where I have contested recent Assembly elections,".

To a question about cabinet expansion, Wani said that "it is the prerogative of the Chief Minister to decide, but added, "I believe Qaiser Lone should be included in the cabinet so that Kupwara gets proper representation".