Srinagar, June 9 -- J&K chief minister (CM) Omar Abdullah, while attending the INDIA bloc meeting on Monday, urged the alliance parties to join their planned protest for statehood on the first day of Parliament's monsoon session. The National Conference shared this information on its X handle. "Chief Minister Omar Abdullah sought INDIA bloc backing for protests on J&K Statehood Restoration," NC wrote on its official X. J&K chief minister Omar Abdullah and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti attended the INDIA Bloc meeting in New Delhi today. "He (CM) has also informed them that we will be writing to each party individually, seeking their support in this collective fight for the constitutional and democratic rights of the people of J&K," NC chief spokesman and legislator Tanvir Sadiq said Sources said the CM also requested senior alliance leaders to be present so the protest would have a forcefulimpact. The decision regarding the protest was made last week during a meeting of the NC legislators. Since the formation of the elected government in October 2024, J&K CM Omar Abdullah has requested statehood restoration several times from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. However, the Centre has shown a cold response so far, with many BJP leaders claiming it will be restored at an appropriate time. Now, the NC has decided to start a series of protests for statehood restoration, as many party leaders feel it is the only option left, especially since opposition parties accuse the ruling party of not doing enough for the cause. Earlier this month, the PDP president wrote letters to leaders of all political parties, including CM Omar and the opposition BJP, urging them to join a united fight for statehood restoration. The NC has already started preparations for the protest in New Delhi. While some political parties welcomed the decision, many termed it a belated exercise and asked the CM to pass a resolution in the state assembly. Senior Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) leader and Langate MLA, Sheikh Khursheed expressed hope that INDIA Bloc meeting would address the pressing political concerns of J&K. He said that if Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti succeed in persuading the INDIA Bloc to issue a joint statement supporting the restoration of J&K special constitutional status, statehood and other political rights, it would be a significant step....