Srinagar, Aug. 8 -- The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar Friday termed the events of 9th August 1953 particularly the unconstitutional arrest and ouster of then Prime Minister Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as a black day in the history of Jammu and Kashmir.

Sagar called upon the Union Government to initiate a new chapter in the relationship between Srinagar and New Delhi one based on mutual trust and constitutional guarantees starting with the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir.

Reflecting on the historical context, Sagar said, "August 09, 1953 marked the beginning of a prolonged constitutional and political onslaught on Jammu and Kashmir's special status. Sheikh Mohammad Ab...