- Ruling NC observes ‘Black Day’, alleges restrictions on protests across Kashmir
- BJP highlights governance, infrastructure and constitutional integration
Srinagar : Jammu and Kashmir witnessed sharply contrasting political narratives on Wednesday as the ruling National Conference (NC) and its ally Congress, and opposition parties observed the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A as a “Black Day,” while BJP celebrated the day as a landmark in the Union Territory’s political integration and developmental transformation.
Political activity remained intense across Jammu and Kashmir, with protests, rallies and public meetings held by various parties. While the NC and Congress reiterated their demand for the restoration of full statehood and constitutional rights, the BJP highlighted what it described as the achievements of the past seven years following the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019.
The ruling National Conference organised protest demonstrations in Srinagar, Jammu, New Delhi and district headquarters across the Union Territory.
In Srinagar, heavy deployment of police and security personnel prevented the party’s proposed march towards Lal Chowk. The NC alleged that several of its senior leaders were either placed under house arrest or prevented from leaving their residences to participate in the protest.
The demonstration in Srinagar was led by NC General Secretary and MLA Khanyar Ali Mohammad Sagar. It was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Cabinet Ministers SakeenaItoo and Javed Dar, Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq, Provincial President Advocate Showkat Ahmad Mir, legislators and senior party functionaries.
Protesters carried placards reading “Restore Jammu and Kashmir’s Special Status,” “Restore Constitutional and Democratic Rights,” and “Restore Full Statehood,” while raising slogans demanding the reversal of the constitutional changes made in August 2019.
Following the protest, senior NC leaders held a meeting at the party headquarters, reiterating that the restoration of full statehood and constitutional rights remained the party’s foremost political objective.
The leaders alleged that the constitutional changes of August 5, 2019, had stripped the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their democratic and constitutional rights.
In New Delhi, National Conference Members of Parliament, including Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, Sajad Kichloo and Shammi Oberoi, joined leaders of the INDIA bloc in a protest within the Parliament complex. The MPs demanded the restoration of statehood and democratic rights to Jammu and Kashmir.
The Congress also organised demonstrations in Jammu and several other places, observing the day as a “Black Day.” Party leaders reiterated their demand for the restoration of full statehood and accused the Centre of weakening democratic institutions in the Union Territory since the abrogation of the erstwhile state’s special status.
On the other hand, BJP marked the anniversary with Tiranga rallies, public meetings and celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir, describing the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A as a historic decision that fully integrated Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of the country.
In Jammu, BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi said the decision, taken under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, had strengthened national unity and fulfilled the party’s long-standing commitment to the principle of “One Nation, One Constitution.”
He said the constitutional changes had paved the way for transparent governance, improved infrastructure, better implementation of welfare schemes, stronger democratic institutions and equal application of Central laws across Jammu and Kashmir.
In Srinagar, BJP General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Kaul led celebrations at the party headquarters in Jawahar Nagar, where party workers cut a commemorative cake to mark the anniversary. A motorcycle rally planned by BJP youth workers from Pantha Chowk to Lal Chowk, however, was diverted to the party office after police did not permit it to proceed towards the city centre.
People’s Conference president Sajad Gani Lone also criticised the August 5, 2019 decision, reiterating his party’s opposition to the constitutional changes and maintaining that the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir could only be addressed through the restoration of democratic rights.
Apni Party Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir on Wednesday urged the Centre to initiate a “meaningful dialogue” with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, to address their concerns and bridge what he described as a growing trust deficit.
Meanwhile, security remained on high alert across Jammu and Kashmir throughout the day. Additional deployments of police and paramilitary personnel were made at sensitive locations in Srinagar, Jammu and several district headquarters.
