Srinagar: National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Wednesday said the party has invited all major political parties and prominent religious leaders in Jammu and Kashmir to join its campaign for the restoration of statehood.
According to him, invitations have been sent to Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Mufti Nasir-ul-Islam, BJP leaders, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Apni Party chief Altaf Bukhari and Congress leaders.
Speaking to reporters, Sadiq said NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah has sent invitation letters to leaders across the political spectrum, including parties outside the INDIA bloc, seeking to build a united front on the issue.
“We hope all of them come and understand that this is a matter concerning the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The promise made by the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, and reaffirmed by the Supreme Court must now be fulfilled,” Sadiq said.
Responding to Altaf Bukhari’s remarks suggesting differences within the Abdullah family over the statehood issue, Sadiq said the demand transcends political rivalries.
“This is a mission. For the sake of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, everyone should keep politics aside and stand together for the restoration of statehood,” he said.
Sadiq also reiterated the party’s demand for the restoration of the July 13 public holiday commemorating the 1931 martyrs, saying a formal request has already been submitted to the administration.
“We hope good sense prevails and the administration recognises that this is the people’s demand,” he said.
The NC leader said a convention will be held on July 13 to pay tribute to the 1931 martyrs and to send a message that the people of Jammu and Kashmir are united in their demand for the restoration of statehood.
He added that the party also plans to raise the issue in New Delhi, expressing hope that the demand for statehood would receive parliamentary support at the earliest.
(With inputs from KNS)
