Srinagar

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that the Centre remains committed to restoring statehood to the Union Territory.

Addressing reporters in Anantnag district, the veteran leader said the prime minister had recently reiterated this assurance during his interaction with the chief minister.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently told Omar Abdullah that he will honour the commitment made regarding the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir," Farooq Abdullah said.

He noted that the people of Jammu and Kashmir were now waiting for the Centre to translate that promise into action.

Responding to questions regarding the delay in approving the business rules for the Jammu and Kashmir government, Abdullah said the demand of his party extends beyond administrative procedures.

"We are not seeking only the approval of the business rules. Our larger demand is the restoration of statehood," he said.

Describing the issue as a commitment made by the Union government, Abdullah added, "Statehood was a promise made before the entire world. We are waiting for that promise to be fulfilled."

The National Conference has already announced plans to intensify its campaign on the issue. The party has decided to stage a protest in New Delhi on the opening day of the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament to press for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir's statehood.

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The decision to organise the protest was taken during a meeting of National Conference legislators chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on June 3.