Jammu, July 19: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Sunday said he would return to Jammu from Delhi to personally monitor the flood situation triggered by heavy rains in parts of the Jammu division, while the National Conference’s planned protest for restoration of statehood in the national capital would go ahead under the leadership of party president Farooq Abdullah.
In a post on X, the chief minister said the decision to return was prompted by the weather warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of the Jammu region.
“In light of the weather warning put out by the Meteorological Department and the seriousness of the situation unfolding across parts of Jammu division, I will leave Delhi to fly to Jammu this afternoon to personally monitor the situation on the ground,” Abdullah said.
He said the National Conference’s protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, would proceed as scheduled.
“The statehood protest will go ahead under the leadership of JKNC President Dr Farooq Abdullah as planned,” the chief minister added.
The announcement came as heavy overnight rainfall triggered flash floods in Rajouri district and affected several parts of the Jammu region, prompting rescue and relief operations and weather alerts from the authorities.(KNS)
