CM Omar Abdullah meets National Conference MLAs ‘in secret’, plans Delhi stir for Jammu-Kashmir's statehood

SRINAGAR: J&K CM Omar Abdullah whisked National Conference (NC) MLAs and MPs to Dachigam national park on Srinagar’s outskirts for a daylong strategy session Wednesday that ended with a political call to arms — a protest in New Delhi on opening day of Parliament’s monsoon session demanding restoration of J&K’s statehood.Party MLAshad first gathered at Omar’s Gupkar Road residence in Srinagar before boarding a bus and joining a convoy that many believed was headed to Chashma Shahi — one of the Mughal gardens in Srinagar.The destination remained under wraps until vehicles rolled towards Dachigam, about 22km from Srinagar and best known as the habitat of Kashmir’s endangered stag hangul. Omar later said the venue had been chosen well in advance.NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said participants resolved to intensify the campaign for restoration of statehood and special status.Political circles were already on edge after his remarks at a college function on May 6, where he said: “Trust me, I want to burst like a cloudburst.” He had indicated he would speak more openly on key issues after Eid.