Former Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah used an autorickshaw to reach a protest venue in Delhi after police blocked National Conference leaders from demonstrating at Jantar Mantar. The leaders were gathering to demand the restoration of full statehood for the Union Territory as the Monsoon session of Parliament began.
Detailed Coverage
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took to an autorickshaw in central Delhi on Monday after authorities restricted the movement of National Conference (NC) leaders. The party had planned a demonstration at Jantar Mantar to advocate for the restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon session of Parliament.
Restrictions on Movement
National Conference leaders, including party president Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah, were prevented by security personnel from accessing Jantar Mantar. The local authorities cited concerns related to a separate protest march, the 'Chalo Sansad' event, occurring in the same vicinity. When the party attempted to relocate their protest to the Constitution Club, they were again blocked by security forces.
Protest Continues on Ashoka Road
Following the denial of access to the designated protest sites, Omar Abdullah and his supporters staged a demonstration on Ashoka Road. The former Chief Minister utilized an autorickshaw to navigate through the area after his initial attempt to walk was met with security restrictions. Videos shared on social media showed Abdullah, who is a Z-plus security protectee, traveling with his sons while security personnel followed in other vehicles. The demonstration involved party workers holding placards that demanded the fulfillment of promises regarding the return of full statehood to the region.
Political Context and Next Steps
This protest is part of a broader political effort by the National Conference to press the central government on its commitments to Jammu and Kashmir's political status. Omar Abdullah, who had traveled between Jammu and Delhi over the weekend, indicated that while the peaceful gathering at the intended venue was disrupted, the party intends to continue its efforts to raise these demands. The political atmosphere remains focused on the legislative developments in the ongoing Monsoon session, with the National Conference continuing to emphasize the restoration of statehood as a primary objective for the Union Territory.