Srinagar, 16 June (H.S.): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that the National Conference-led Government's planned protest in New Delhi for the restoration of Statehood would go ahead as scheduled.

Speaking to reporters here at the SKICC, Omar said there are no changes in the planned protest in Delhi for the restoration of Statehood.

We are determined that at the start of Parliament's Monsoon Session, we will press for the restoration of Statehood for J&K, he said.

The Chief Minister said the protest at Jantar Mantar would serve as a reminder to the Centre to fulfil its promise. Statehood is a commitment made before the Supreme Court, Parliament and the people of J&K, he added.

Omar said he had recently discussed the issue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, along with J&K's financial position and ways to accelerate developmental works in the Union Territory.

I discussed Statehood, the financial position of J&K and how developmental works can be paced up. I hope that meeting with the Prime Minister will benefit the people of J&K, he said.

The Chief Minister said that the Government would send its response to clarifications sought by the Centre on the reservation rationalisation proposal within the next few days after obtaining fresh Cabinet approval.

Omar said the Government had completed all formalities on its part and was now processing the Centre's queries.

Whatever we had to do, we did. The Cabinet Sub-Committee prepared a report, which was approved by the Cabinet. The Cabinet decision was sent to the Lieutenant Governor, who forwarded it to the Centre, he said.

He said the Centre subsequently sought certain clarifications and returned the file to the Government. He said the concerned department had prepared replies to the queries and the matter would soon be placed before the Cabinet.

A Cabinet meeting will be called and the Cabinet will approve the replies to the clarifications. The file will then be sent back to the Centre within the next few days, he said.

Asked about Leader of Opposition Sunil Sharma's remarks that the National Conference Government would collapse on its own, the Chief Minister declined to engage, saying he did not have time to respond to such statements.

On the peace deal involving Iran and the United States, Omar said details of the agreement were not yet known and cautioned against speculation.

Neither I nor you know what is in the deal. At present, the US, Iran and Pakistan would know about it. We will have to wait till Friday and hope nothing happens that reverses the peace process, he said.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that the conflict would end, the Strait of Hormuz would reopen and reparations would be ensured for Iran, arguing that the country had suffered damage despite not initiating the war.

About the preparations for Muharram, Omar said all arrangements had been put in place after consultations with stakeholders and field visits by ministers to assess preparedness.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar