Srinagar, Aug 20: In a joint statement, 19 opposition parties on Friday demanded restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir and release of political prisoners.

In the statement, the political parties also demanded holding of free and fair elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Release all political prisoners in J&K. Restore full statehood including J&K cadre of central services. Conduct free and fair election at the earliest,” read the opposition statement

However, the joint statement was silent on the demand for restoration of Article 370.

The online meeting of opposition parties convened by Sonia Gandhi also saw participation of National Conference and Peoples Democratic Party, who were respectively represented by Dr Farooq Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti. kno