Srinagar, August 4(KNS): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Tariq Hameed Karra on Monday said the outreach campaign being run by the party to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood concluded today, and the next phase of protests will begin from August 5, observed by the party as a “Black Day” across all 20 districts.

Addressing a gathering in Srinagar, Karra said the ongoing campaign for human rights had moved through different stages, and the latest one, an outreach program from August 1 to 4, had now concluded. “From tomorrow, we are protesting in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir as Black Day. In that, too, we will demand complete statehood,” he said.

Karra said a chain hunger strike will be held from August 9 to 20, and following that, the party will assess the situation in Parliament before deciding the next step. “We are keeping an eye on the situation in Parliament, and after that, we will announce a new program,” he said.

He said all sections of society across the region have been engaging with the party and expressing support for the demand. “For the 1.4 crore people of Jammu and Kashmir, the primary issue is statehood,” Karra said. “Every fraternity — trade, commerce, business — has its own set of issues, but the common issue that unites them is the demand for statehood.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”

Karra said the party had invited all stakeholders to participate in the campaign and had received strong expressions of solidarity. “Every organisation that came has spoken openly and said that our biggest issue is statehood,” he said.

On reports of possible developments following the Union Home Minister’s recent meeting with the President of India, Karra said it would be premature to comment. “Speculations are rife. Let us wait and see. Until something is revealed, there should not be any irresponsible comment,” he said.

Asked about the National Conference joining the protest on August 5, Karra said the party had made an open appeal to all political parties and individuals to unite on the issue of identity and statehood. “This is not an issue of the Congress or a Congress general. This concerns 1.4 crore people. Whoever wants to lead it, let them come forward. We will follow them,” he said.

He added that the party had planned to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister but was not allowed by police. “We do not have any further program for now. We will be able to decide that only after the 21st Parliament session,” Karra said.(KNS).