National Conference hails Gadkari statement, wants J&K special status restored

Srinagar: The National Conference (NC) on Friday demanded the restoration of special status for Jammu and Kashmir.

A statement issued jointly by NC president Farooq Abdullah and ten senior party leaders welcomed the statement made by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in which he said India is not interested in expansion of its land area either from Pakistan or China.

The NC called Gadkari's statement "a shift from jingoism to peace". While demanding restoration of the special status for J&K, the NC statement expressed deep anguish over the skirmishes on the LoC and the LAC and the consequent loss of life and property.

"Revocation of August 5, 2019 decisions and unconditional dialogue with all stakeholders is pivotal to lasting peace and prosperity in the region", the statement said.

It also said that all traditional routes, including Kargil-Skardu, Jammu-Sialkot and Poonch-Rawalakot should be opened, allowing free movement of people across the LoC and the LAC to promote people to people contact and strengthen inter-regional trade and cultural links.