Protests Erupt in Jammu on Article 370 Abrogation Anniversary

Protests Mark the Seventh Anniversary of Article 370's Abrogation

Jammu, Aug 5: On Wednesday, both the Congress and the National Conference (NC) organized separate protest rallies in Jammu, commemorating the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, which they termed a "Black Day."

The protesters called for the restoration of statehood along with constitutional protections for land, employment, and other rights.

Police intervened to prevent the marches from reaching the city center, resulting in brief confrontations between officers and demonstrators at various locations.

The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) held a demonstration at Shaheedi Chowk, where party members voiced their grievances against the central government, accusing it of stripping the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their democratic and constitutional entitlements.

Congress activists, waving party flags, attempted to advance but were halted by law enforcement.

Leaders from Congress insisted on the urgent need for statehood restoration and constitutional safeguards, claiming that citizens had been denied their rights concerning land, jobs, and resources.

"We demand our statehood back. Our jobs, land, and rights must be safeguarded. Instead of addressing our democratic requests, the government is obstructing our protests. Today is a 'Black Day' for us. We will persist in our protests until Jammu and Kashmir regains its statehood," stated a Congress leader to the media.

Another Congress official referred to August 5, 2019, as a "painful day" in Jammu and Kashmir's history, asserting that the region's special status, opportunities, and constitutional rights had been revoked. This leader also highlighted the rise in unemployment and urged the central government to restore the people's rights.

The NC conducted its own protest near Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan, with participants carrying party flags and placards while donning black badges.

Police again intervened to stop NC members from advancing, leading to a brief scuffle between security forces and protesters.

NC leaders reiterated their call for the restoration of statehood and constitutional rights.

"The decision made on August 5, 2019, in secrecy, will never be accepted by the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We are not seeking anything new; we are merely asking for the restoration of the rights that were taken from us in 2019," an NC leader remarked.

In response to the BJP's assertion that the abrogation of Article 370 had reduced terrorism, the leader challenged this claim, pointing out that militant attacks and the deaths of security personnel persist.

"If terrorism ceased with the abrogation of Article 370, why are security personnel still being martyred? Why do attacks on our people and forces continue?" the leader questioned.