NEW DELHI: Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah took an auto-rickshaw on Monday to reach Prithviraj Road, the new venue of the National Conference’s (NC) protest demanding the restoration of statehood for the state, after traffic restrictions and security arrangements around Jantar Mantar disrupted movement.The protest, led by NC president Dr Farooq Abdullah, was held in the national capital on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to press for the immediate restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.Omar Abdullah travelled in the auto-rickshaw along with his two sons, Zahir Abdullah and Zamir Abdullah, while carrying a placard supporting the party’s demand.Sharing the experience on X, Omar Abdullah wrote, “My walk from Jantar Mantar was about to turn into another procession so we grabbed the first available means of transport.”He also posted a video of the auto-rickshaw ride on the social media platform.The ruling National Conference urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour his commitment made in Parliament to restore full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.J&K Congress leaders, including state unit president Tariq Hamid Karra and AICC member Ghulam Ahmad Mir, also joined the demonstration.Led by Farooq Abdullah, party leaders and workers assembled at the Jammu and Kashmir House before marching to the protest venue. They carried placards reading “Apna wada pura karo (Fulfil your promise),” “Restore rights and dignity of people of J&K,” and “Restore full statehood.” Protesters also raised slogans such as “Modi ka wada, kyun raha aadha? (Why has Modi’s promise remained unfulfilled?)”.(With agency inputs)
