Jammu, July 13 -- Ahead of JK National Conference protest at Jantar Mantar for restoration, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday asserted that the July 20 demonstration in Delhi will mark the beginning of a new phase in the party's campaign for statehood to the Union Territory.

Abdullah was addressing a well-attended public rally at Maharaja Hari Singh Park - his first major public meeting in Jammu city in many years. The rally assumed significance as it was held in the BJP stronghold.

The gathering came a day after the National Conference organised a grand workers' convention at the mausoleum of Abdullah's grandparents in the Hazratbal area here, held to mark the 26th death anniversary of his grandmother, Akbar Jehan.

Abdullah paid ...