Jammu, Feb 3(KNS): The National Conference (NC) lawmakers on Tuesday staged a sit-in protest in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, pressing for the restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory and raising concerns over what it termed harassment of Kashmiris outside the Valley.

 

NC chief spokesperson and MLA Tanvir Sadiq said the party believes that the “appropriate time” for restoring statehood has arrived.

 

Speaking to reporters on the second day of the Budget Session, Sadiq said the party would support decisions taken in national interest but would not remain silent on issues affecting Jammu and Kashmir.

 

“If any decision benefits the country, we will support it. At the same time, we will raise our voice on unresolved issues here. The foremost among them is the restoration of statehood,” he said.

 

Sadiq said the Centre has repeatedly assured that statehood would be restored at an appropriate time but has not announced a timeline. “The phrase ‘appropriate time’ has been used many times. We are saying that the appropriate time has now come,” he said.

 

Linking the demand to recent developments, Sadiq said the protest was also aimed at drawing attention to incidents of alleged harassment of Kashmiris outside the Valley and actions affecting institutions in the region.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

“Whether it is the targeting of Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir or issues like the closure of educational institutions, these developments are deeply concerning. Through this protest, we want the Government of India to listen to our concerns,” he said.

 

Jammu and Kashmir was reorganised into two Union Territories in August 2019 following the abrogation of Article 370. Since then, political parties across the spectrum in the region have consistently demanded the restoration of statehood.

 

Responding to questions about differences within the alliance, Sadiq dismissed reports of discord with the Congress. “There is no issue between us and the Congress. Senior Congress leader Nizamuddin Bhatt participated in the meeting held last night under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah,” he said.

 

“They had some reservations, which were discussed. There is nothing unusual. We will inform you about further steps in due course,” he added.(KNS)