Calls for new chapter of ‘rights restoration’; says statehoodmust be first stepSRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President Dr Farooq Abdullah today termed the events of 09 August 1953, particularly the “unconstitutional” arrest and ouster of then Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, as a “black day” in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. Reflecting on the historical significance of the day, Dr Farooq said, “09 August 1953 marked the beginning of a prolonged political and constitutional assault on Jammu and Kashmir’s distinctive constitutional position. Dr Farooq reaffirmed that the National Conference remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding Jammu and Kashmir’s political, constitutional and cultural identity. Restoration of statehood must be the beginning of a wider process of rights restoration, justice, dignity and mutual respect. The people of Jammu and Kashmir deserve nothing less.”