After the death of his uncle and senior ruling National Conference (NC) leader Dr Mustafa Kamal on Tuesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said there will be no change in the schedule for the 20 July Delhi protest for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, even if we don’t get permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar.
Speaking to reporters in Srinagar, Omar said, “Mustafa Kamal himself would not have wanted any alteration. When his health deteriorated on 11 July, doctors told us it was unlikely he would survive the day. Even then, I had instructions from the party president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, that we had to proceed with our scheduled programme. We will definitely go to Delhi on 19 July. If we don’t get permission for Jantar Mantar, we will deliberate on the next course of action. But we are going to Delhi on 19 July.”
He said, “This is a very difficult time for our family and the National Conference. Beyond being my father’s younger brother, Mustafa Kamal held a stature of his own. He served as an MLA on several occasions. Seeing so many people gathered here makes it evident that he touched countless lives.”
Omar said the party was still awaiting permission from the authorities for the protest at Jantar Mantar but had prepared an alternative course of action if approval was denied.
“We have not received permission yet. We know how to remain patient, and we will wait, but we are also keeping an alternate plan ready,” he said.
The Chief Minister said he had directed party leaders to proceed with their travel plans to the national capital on 19 July.