Srinagar, July 6, KNT: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Singh Choudhary on Monday said the National Conference has decided to intensify its campaign for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood by organising a public gathering on July 12 followed by a major protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20.

Talking to reporters, Choudhary said the July 12 public gathering is being organised to commemorate Madar-e-Meharban and to mobilise public support for the restoration of statehood ahead of the proposed protest in the national capital.

He said all political parties supporting the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood are welcome to participate in the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar.

The Deputy Chief Minister said the National Conference had promised restoration of statehood in its election manifesto and had waited for nearly one and a half years for a response from the Central Government. However, with no progress on the issue, the party has now decided to launch a democratic protest.

Choudhary said the absence of statehood has adversely affected Jammu and Kashmir’s financial position, claiming that the Union Territory continues to receive funding meant for a UT instead of a full-fledged state.

“Due to the lack of statehood, our funding has been crippled and ultimately the people are suffering,” he said.

Responding to a question on the recent controversy over books in government schools, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government has already taken action and ordered an inquiry into the matter.

He also criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party over the NEET paper leak controversy, alleging that the scam had shattered the future of many students and claiming that several aspirants had taken the extreme step following the controversy.

He reiterated that the fight for restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood would continue through democratic means and appealed to all like-minded political parties and citizens to join the movement. [KNT]