Srinagar

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Thursday said his party would not approach or formally invite other political parties from Jammu and Kashmir to participate in its proposed protest in Delhi demanding the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory.

Addressing reporters here, Abdullah said any party willing to support the cause was free to join the demonstration on its own.

"Anyone who wishes to take part in the protest is welcome to do so. We are not going to anyone with a begging bowl," he remarked.

The National Conference has announced plans to stage a protest in the national capital on the opening day of the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, pressing for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who also serves as the party's vice-president, has already appealed to constituents of the INDIA bloc to extend their support to the agitation.

When asked whether the party would attempt to forge a broader political consensus on the issue, Farooq Abdullah said there was already unanimity among political groups regarding the demand for statehood.

"Everyone is united when it comes to the question of restoring statehood," he said.

Responding to a query on the possibility of Jammu and Kashmir regaining its special constitutional status, the former chief minister said he could not predict the future.

"I am not God. Only Allah knows, and those who hold power in Delhi know," Abdullah said.

He asserted that the National Conference remained committed to pursuing the restoration of the region's special status and had not abandoned the issue.

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"We are already fighting for it. What more do you expect from us? We have not remained silent, and we will continue our struggle. Constitutionally, we have every right to protest against what has been taken away from us," he added.