SRINAGAR, July 6; The National Conference (NC) is set to stage a massive show of strength in Srinagar on July 11, with the party mobilising thousands of workers from across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of its proposed Jantar Mantar protest in New Delhi seeking the restoration of statehood.
Speaking to Kashmir News Service- KNS, NC leader and Minister Javid Ahmad Dar said the July 11 gathering would send a strong political message before the party’s planned agitation in the national capital during the upcoming Parliament session.
“We are expecting partcipation of 30000 to 40000 people. The July 11 programme will be a show of strength before our Jantar Mantar protest. It will demonstrate the people’s support for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood,” Dar said.
Hitting back at Opposition parties questioning the NC’s approach, Dar said the party had deliberately exercised restraint and that its silence should not be interpreted as weakness.
“Our silence was never our weakness. We did not want confrontation with the Centre. We showed patience because we expected the Government of India to honour its promise of restoring statehood. That patience should not be mistaken for helplessness,” he said.
Dar said the National Conference would intensify its campaign by holding a peacefull protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi when Parliament reconvenes, asserting that the party would continue its democratic struggle until the promises made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir are fulfilled.
“The peacefull protest will ensure that the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir is heard loud and clear. Statehood is the democratic right of the people, and we will continue our peaceful campaign until that commitment is honoured,” he added.
The July 11 gathering coincides with the National Conference’s annual observance of Madre-e-Meharban Day, but party leaders indicated that this year’s programme is expected to assume added political significance as the first major public mobilisation ahead of the Delhi protest over statehood restoration. (KNS)
