Omar Abdullah Takes Auto to Reach J&K Statehood Protest on Prithviraj Road

On Monday, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took an auto-rickshaw to reach Prithviraj Road in New Delhi to attend a protest demanding the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood. The unusual commute occurred after traffic restrictions and heavy security arrangements around Jantar Mantar disrupted movement on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.

Omar Abdullah travelled in the auto-rickshaw along with his two sons, Zahir Abdullah and Zamir Abdullah, while carrying a placard supporting the party's demand. Explaining the decision on the social media platform X, where he also shared a video of the ride, he wrote that his walk from Jantar Mantar was about to turn into another procession, which prompted them to grab the first available means of transport.

The demonstration was led by National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah. Prior to the march, party leaders and workers assembled at the Jammu and Kashmir House before moving towards the protest venue.

The protest was organized to demand the immediate restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. The ruling National Conference urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the commitment he had made in Parliament regarding the statehood of the region.

J&K Congress leaders, including state unit president Tariq Hamid Karra and AICC member Ghulam Ahmad Mir, also joined the demonstration.

Protesters marched with placards reading "Apna wada pura karo" (Fulfil your promise), "Restore rights and dignity of people of J&K", and "Restore full statehood." The demonstrators also raised slogans such as "Modi ka wada, kyun raha aadha?" (Why has Modi's promise remained unfulfilled?) to draw attention to their demands.