Omar Abdullah Reaches Delhi Venue In Auto For NC Statehood Protest

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah travelled by auto-rickshaw in Delhi on Monday to reach the National Conference’s protest venue after the location of the party’s statehood restoration demonstration was shifted. Omar Abdullah hired an auto-rickshaw from Jantar Mantar to Prithviraj Road and travelled with his two sons, Zahir Abdullah and Zamir Abdullah, while carrying a placard related to the protest.

Sharing a video of the ride on social media platform X, Omar Abdullah said his walk from Jantar Mantar was turning into another procession, prompting him to take the first available transport. His unusual mode of travel drew attention as the National Conference held its demonstration demanding the immediate restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood in the national capital.

The protest was led by National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah on the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. Party leaders and workers gathered at the Jammu and Kashmir House on Prithviraj Road after the planned venue at Jantar Mantar was not approved by the Delhi administration, according to NC leaders. Jammu and Kashmir Congress leaders, including state unit president Tariq Hamid Karra and AICC member Ghulam Ahmad Mir, also joined the protest.

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The protesters carried placards with messages such as “Apna wada pura karo” (Fulfil your promise), “Restore rights and dignity of people of J&K” and “Restore full statehood”. They also raised slogans questioning the delay in fulfilling commitments related to Jammu and Kashmir’s political status. Farooq Abdullah said the demand for full statehood was based on assurances made by the Prime Minister and Home Minister in Parliament, as well as statements before the Supreme Court.

Speaking to reporters, Farooq Abdullah said the party was seeking restoration of statehood promised to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed hope that the government would respect public sentiment and address issues related to both Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. Omar Abdullah was also seen attending a seminar at the Constitution Club focused on the restoration of statehood.

The protest took place amid heightened security arrangements in central Delhi due to multiple demonstrations near Parliament. At Jantar Mantar, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest over the NEET-UG paper leak issue attracted attention, with security forces stopping demonstrators attempting to move towards Parliament. Police used crowd-control measures, including batons, to prevent protesters from crossing restricted areas near Raisina Road. The CJP later said government representatives had reached out for talks, with two of its spokespersons meeting Union Minister J.P. Nadda to present their demands.

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