Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and National Conference (NC) Vice President Omar Abdullah on Wednesday confirmed that the party’s planned protest in New Delhi on July 20 will go ahead as scheduled despite the passing of senior NC leader and his uncle, Dr. Mustafa Kamal.
Speaking to reporters after paying tribute to Dr. Kamal, Omar Abdullah said the party would honour his legacy by continuing with the demonstration at Jantar Mantar, which is being organised to highlight issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
“There will be no change in the protest plan. Mustafa Kamal himself would not have wanted us to alter the programme,” Omar said.
He revealed that Dr. Kamal’s health had worsened on July 11, with doctors expressing serious concern over his condition. Despite this, National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah instructed party leaders to stay committed to the scheduled political programme.
“Even when we knew about his critical condition, the party president made it clear that our protest must continue. Therefore, there is no question of cancelling the July 20 demonstration,” Omar added.
On the issue of permission from Delhi authorities, Omar said the party is still awaiting official approval but remains prepared for any situation.
“We have not received permission yet. We are being made to wait, but we know how to remain patient. At the same time, we are also keeping an alternative plan ready,” he said.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the party’s travel schedule would remain unchanged.
“I have instructed my colleagues that we will leave for Delhi on July 19. If permission for Jantar Mantar is not granted, we will still reach Delhi, meet together, and decide our next course of action there,” he stated.
Remembering Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Omar Abdullah described his passing as both a personal and political loss. He praised Dr. Kamal’s lifelong commitment to public service, recalling that he continued to run a free medical clinic in Tangmarg even while serving as Jammu and Kashmir’s Health Minister.
Omar also highlighted Dr. Kamal’s political journey, noting that he was elected to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly from Tangmarg in 1987 and 1996, and later represented Patan and Hazratbal through by-elections.
Calling it a difficult moment for both the Abdullah family and the National Conference, Omar said the large number of mourners at the funeral reflected the respect and affection Dr. Mustafa Kamal had earned through his years of service.(Agrncies)
