New Delhi/Srinagar, June 11 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi and discussed key issues concerning Jammu and Kashmir, including the early restoration of statehood, current economic condition, and the pace of development.

The Office of CM Omar Abdullah said on X: “Chief Minister called on the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi in New Delhi today and discussed key issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir, including the early restoration of statehood, state of the economy and the pace of development.

“The Chief Minister also highlighted the need for continued support from the Government of India to accelerate economic growth, strengthen connectivity, generate employment, expand infrastructure and enhance public welfare across Jammu & Kashmir.

“He also congratulated the Hon’ble Prime Minister for completing 12 uninterrupted years in office.”

Omar Abdullah recently attended the INDIA bloc meeting in New Delhi, as the regional National Conference (NC) is among the 35 constituents of the INDIA bloc.

At a seven-hour-long meeting of senior leaders and legislators of Jammu and Kashmir headed by Omar Abdullah, it was decided that the NC legislature party would stage a protest at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on the first day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session to press for the restoration of statehood and other constitutional guarantees for Jammu and Kashmir.

The Opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), headed by former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has also said its MLAs would join the Jantar Mantar protest.

Estranged NC MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi has said he will join the protest, but added that the demand should focus on the restoration of Article 370 to Jammu and Kashmir.

After Ruhullah went public saying that the NC was doing little to fulfil the promises made to the people in its 2024 election manifesto, the party has not been inviting him to its meetings.

Ruhullah was also not present at the seven-hour-long meeting the party held at Dachigam National Park on June 3, where the decision to stage the Jantar Mantar protest was taken.

–IANS

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