Srinagar, July 26 -- Democratic Progressive Azad Party President and former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Saturday said that the demand for restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir is a collective voice of the people, cutting across all regional and religious lines.

Speaking to reporters at Jammu, Azad said whether it is South or North Kashmir, or the three regions of Jammu, there is complete consensus among the people that full statehood is essential for progress, representation, and dignity.

Azad said the call for statehood transcends regional and religious lines and reflects the collective voice of Jammu and Kashmir. "There is no dispute on the issue of statehood neither among the people of Jammu province nor Kashmir. Wheth...