SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar on Thursday said the party would continue its campaign for the restoration of full statehood and the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a special meeting at the party headquarters, Sagar said the NC would continue its struggle to secure the constitutional and democratic rights that the people of Jammu and Kashmir had earlier enjoyed under the Constitution of India.
He said the party had organised peaceful protests in New Delhi, Srinagar, Jammu and district headquarters to reiterate its demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional position and to remind the Union Government of its commitment to restore statehood.
Sagar thanked party legislators, leaders and workers for their participation in the campaign. He also alleged that force was used against peaceful protesters and claimed that several party leaders and legislators were confined to their residences.
The NC leader said the objective of holding elections would remain incomplete without the restoration of statehood, alleging that key administrative powers continue to rest with the Lieutenant Governor.
He claimed that people had voted in large numbers to elect a democratic government after years of bureaucratic rule, but the continued absence of statehood had created a dual system of governance and led to public disappointment.
Sagar said that despite administrative constraints, the government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was working to accelerate development and utilise available resources for public welfare.
