Srinagar, July 15: National Conference Vice President and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday said there would be no change in the party’s planned protest in New Delhi on July 20 despite the demise of senior party leader and his uncle, Dr. Mustafa Kamal.
Speaking to reporters after paying tributes to his uncle, Omar Abdullah said the party would honour Dr. Kamal’s wishes by going ahead with the demonstration.
“There will be no change in that. Neither would Mustafa Kamal have wanted any change,” Omar Abdullah said, referring to the proposed protest at Jantar Mantar over issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir.
He revealed that Dr. Kamal’s health had deteriorated on July 11 and doctors had expressed serious concern about his condition. Despite this, National Conference President Dr. Farooq Abdullah had directed the party to continue with its political programme.
“Even when we knew about his critical condition, the party president said that whatever happened to Mustafa Sahib, we had to continue with our protest. Therefore, there is no question of cancelling the July 20 protest,” Omar said.
On whether the party had secured permission from the Delhi authorities for the protest, Omar said approval was still awaited.
“Not yet. We are being made to wait. As I said earlier, we know how to be patient. We will wait and also keep an alternate plan ready,” he said.
The National Conference leader, however, made it clear that the party’s schedule would remain unchanged.
“I have told my colleagues that we will definitely leave for Delhi on July 19. Even if we do not get permission for Jantar Mantar, we will reach Delhi, sit together and decide our next course of action there,” he said.
Omar Abdullah described Dr. Mustafa Kamal’s death as a personal and political loss, recalling his contributions as a doctor, legislator and public servant.
He said Dr. Kamal had dedicated his life to serving the poor, continuing to run a free medical clinic in Tangmarg even while serving as Jammu and Kashmir’s Health Minister. Omar also highlighted his electoral journey, noting that Dr. Kamal was elected to the Assembly from Tangmarg in 1987 and 1996 and later represented Patan and Hazratbal through by-elections.
Calling it a difficult time for both the Abdullah family and the National Conference, Omar said the large turnout of mourners reflected the impact Dr. Kamal had on people’s lives.
