Srinagar, Sept. 13 -- National Conference (NC) president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Saturday expressed hope that the Centre will restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir, saying the aspirations of the people must be respected.

Speaking to reporters in Pahalgam on the sidelines of a golf tournament, the former chief minister said, "God willing, that will also happen one day. We are hopeful that Delhi will pay attention to it. The Prime Minister will see that the people of Jammu and Kashmir want statehood to be restored."

On recent controversies in Hazratbal and Doda, Abdullah said the people of J&K have been facing challenges since 1947. "However, we have to move forward. The situation has improved and I am hopeful that the country's leade...