Srinagar, Aug 05 (KNO): The BJP on Wednesday celebrated the seventh anniversary of the abrogation of Articles 370 and 35A as the beginning of a "new era" of unity, equality and development in Jammu and Kashmir, while the National Conference (NC), Congress, People's Conference and CPI(M) observed the day as a "Black Day", demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards.
BJP chief spokesperson Sunil Sethi, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) chaired a meeting of party leaders in Jammu and said, “The August 5, 2019 decision under the leadership of PM Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah strengthened India's unity and ensured Jammu and Kashmir's full constitutional and developmental integration with the rest of the country. It said the move fulfilled the party's long-standing commitment to "One Nation, One Constitution".
The BJP leaders highlighted positive changes over the past six years, including accelerated infrastructure development, transparent governance, stronger democratic institutions, improved public welfare and the extension of central laws and welfare schemes to all sections of society. Party leaders also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister and Home minister for taking what they termed a historic decision in the national interest.
In Srinagar, BJP general secretary (organisation) Ashok Kaul cut a cake at the party office in Jawahar Nagar to mark the occasion. A proposed bike rally by BJP youth activists from Pantha Chowk to Lal Chowk was diverted by police to the party office after they were not allowed to proceed towards the city centre. BJP youth leader Ajaz Hussain described August 5 as the day of Jammu and Kashmir's complete integration with the country.
In Anantnag, BJP workers took out a Tiranga rally under tight security, while senior leader Altaf Thakur termed the anniversary a day of celebration marking the end of the system of two constitutions and two flags.
In contrast, the Congress and the National Conference held separate protest marches in Jammu, observing the anniversary as a "Black Day" and demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards for land, jobs and other rights. Police prevented both marches from proceeding towards the city centre, resulting in brief jostling with party workers.
CONGRESS, NC STAGE SEPARATE PROTESTS IN JAMMU
Congress leaders accused the Centre of depriving the people of Jammu and Kashmir of their democratic and constitutional rights and demanded immediate restoration of statehood. They alleged that unemployment had increased since the constitutional changes and vowed to continue their agitation until statehood was restored.
The NC staged a separate protest near Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan in Jammu, with leaders and workers wearing black badges and carrying placards. Party leaders reiterated their demand for restoration of statehood and constitutional rights, while questioning the BJP's claim that the abrogation had ended terrorism, citing continuing militant attacks and casualties among security forces.
In Srinagar, NC workers led by senior leaders, including Minister Sakina Itoo, assembled at the party headquarters and attempted to march outside the office complex before being stopped by Police. Similar demonstrations were organised in Jammu and other district headquarters across the Union Territory.
PDP President Mehbooba Mufti led a sit-in protest in Srinagar, while her daughter Iltilja Mufti and MLA Pulwama, Waheed Para made an attempt to lead a protest march towards the city centre but they were stopped by the Police.
People's Conference president Sajad Gani Lone described the 2019 decision as a "brutal coup" against the people of Jammu and Kashmir, saying it stripped them of Article 370, Article 35A and statehood. CPI(M) leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami termed the constitutional changes a "systematic assault" on the relationship between the Union and the erstwhile state, alleging continued restrictions on democratic activity and delay in restoring statehood.
Meanwhile, National Conference MPs joined leaders of the INDIA bloc in a protest inside the Parliament complex in New Delhi, demanding restoration of full statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. Led by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, the protest also sought a statement from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged use of force against students protesting at Jantar Mantar. NC leaders said restoration of statehood was essential for strengthening democratic institutions and fulfilling the constitutional aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)