Jammu, July 29 -- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said he is hopeful of the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory during the Monsoon session of Parliament, asserting that his government will raise the issue if there is no progress on it during this period.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function here, Chief Minister Abdullah said, "Let this Parliament session pass. We are hopeful that we will get something in this session. If we do not get anything, we will talk after that. I will not go for a strike as long as the Parliament is in session."

He was responding to a question on the Congress's announcement that it will intensify its agitation for the restoration of statehood.

The National Conference and the Co...