Suhail Bhat
Srinagar, July 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the Congress never reached out to the National Conference (NC) for support in its campaign to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s Statehood, despite NC being the first to raise the issue.
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Speaking to reporters in Safapora area of Bandipora district after visiting the family of a woman who was allegedly raped and murdered last week, Omar said, “Let the Congress talk to us first if they want our support in their campaign for restoration of Statehood. We only read about it in newspapers. No one has spoken to us. A few days ago, there was an INDIA bloc meeting, but they did not raise the issue there. Why would we step back? We were the first to take up this struggle.”
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The Chief Minister said the NC had passed a resolution in the Cabinet and introduced one in the Assembly as well. “It is a separate matter that discussion was not possible in the Assembly due to the prevailing situation, but we have been consistently demanding the restoration of statehood,” he said.
Taking a swipe at the Congress, he added, “It is good that they have now decided to protest on the issue after so many days. But if they want our support, they should speak to us. Our party will also join the cause.”
On the alleged rape and murder case, Omar said an FIR has been registered and promised a thorough investigation. “We assure justice will be delivered. The Government will also extend every possible help to the victim’s family,” he said.
When asked about the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Omar said, “This is perhaps the first time a Vice President has resigned in such a manner. It seems his health may have prevented him from continuing. I pray for his well-being and long life. Let’s hope whoever takes the post next does justice to the position.”
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