India, Aug. 7 -- National Conference (NC) president and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah on Tuesday said that opposition parties have always stood with the restoration of statehood to Jammu & Kashmir. He expressed hope that they will continue to do so.

Speaking to reporters after the party workers' meeting in Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, Dr Farooq Abdullah said, "The hardships of our people have only multiplied since 2015 and restoring statehood is not just a political necessity-it is about restoring dignity, rights, and faith in the democratic process."

The NC chief said he will raise the issue once again in a crucial meeting of opposition leaders in New Delhi, scheduled for August 7 (Thursday). "The opposition has alway...