JAMMU, August 5, 2025 : On the sixth anniversary of the abrogation of Article 370, major political parties including the Congress, National Conference (NC), and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) took to the streets across Jammu and Kashmir, demanding the restoration of full statehood and denouncing the BJP-led Centre.
The day was observed as a “Black Day” by the opposition and the Jammu-based All Parties United Morcha (APUM), marking the 2019 decision that downgraded J&K into two Union Territories.
Congress leaders Raman Bhalla, Lal Singh, and Taranjit Singh Tony garlanded the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh using a crane at Tawi Bridge, symbolizing the loss of Dogra pride. Bhalla said the protest was part of the party’s ‘Hamari Riyasat Hamara Haq’ campaign to “restore the pride and dignity of the erstwhile state.”
Party spokesperson Ravinder Sharma slammed the BJP for “remote-controlling” J&K through the LG’s office despite the Supreme Court’s directive for early elections and statehood restoration. “Ten months have passed, yet the Centre remains silent,” he said, announcing a chain hunger strike from August 9 to 21.
Protests erupted at district headquarters statewide. In Rajouri, police detained Congress MLA Iftikhar Ahmad and others during a foiled rally attempt.
NC workers, led by provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta, were stopped by police while marching from Residency Road. PDP supporters staged a separate protest near Gandhi Nagar.
Despite the clampdown on marches, opposition parties vowed to intensify their campaign until statehood is restored.
