SRINAGAR, June 23 -- National Conference president Dr. Farooq Abdullah on Monday launched a scathing attack on the central government over the delay in restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, calling it "a right, not a favour."

Speaking at a party event in Srinagar, Abdullah said, "Statehood is the right of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. It is not a dole to be handed out at someone's whim."He also expressed concern over what he termed as " lies" being circulated by sections of the media on Statehood.

Abdullah also announced the formation of a Human Rights Wing of the party within the National Conference . The wing will be chaired by Retired Justice Hasnain Masoodi and will have two more members.

In a sharp geopolitical remark, Abdu...