Srinagar, Aug. 13 -- A senior member of the ruling National Conference today said that the restoration of statehood is a non-negotiable first step towards reclaiming Jammu and Kashmir's rights.

This was stated by NC General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar while meeting party functionaries at Nawa-e-Subha Srinagar.

A party spokesman said Sagar reiterated the party's commitment to the democratic mandate given by the people of Jammu and Kashmir and stressed the importance of allowing the Omar Abdullah-led government to work freely and without hindrance.

He emphasized that the restoration of J&K's statehood remains a non-negotiable first step toward the restoration of the region's political, constitutional, and democratic rights.

"Statehood is...