Srinagar, July 16 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Wednesday that the National Conference will proceed with its plan to protest the delay in restoring statehood in Delhi, despite the recent death of his uncle, Dr. Sheikh Mustafa Kamal.

Abdullah earlier announced a fresh phase of protests beginning July 20 against the Centre in the national capital over the "unexplained delay" in restoring statehood to the Union territory.

"There will be no change in that," Abdullah told reporters after visiting his uncle's residence to pay condolences. His uncle was also the additional general secretary of the National Conference.

Abdullah said his uncle would not have wanted the party to change the programme.

"Kamal sahib would not have wanted...