On the sixth anniversary of India’s illegal revocation of Article 370, a growing chorus of local political parties in Jammu has demanded the immediate restoration of the special status of occupied Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that the 5 August 2019 move to downgrade the territory to a Union Territory was a grave injustice.
The IIOJK chapter of Congress, National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Shiv Sena (UBT) marked the day with protests and statements condemning the August 5, 2019 decision, which they described as undemocratic and humiliating for the people of Kashmir.
IIOJK Congress Working President Raman Bhalla led a campaign in Jammu, terming the day a “Black Day” and accusing the BJP of betraying the people. “It’s a day the historic Dogra state was dismembered. The promise of statehood remains unfulfilled,” he said. The party has launched a protest under the banner ‘Hamari Riyasat, Hamara Haq’ to press for the demand.
NC leaders echoed the concern, highlighting the absence of full executive powers for the Chief Minister and how it is affecting governance in far-flung areas. PDP President Mehbooba Mufti claimed that post-abrogation, Jammu has witnessed rising unemployment, drug addiction, and economic neglect. She said outsiders were increasingly taking local jobs and contracts, further alienating the native population.
Shiv Sena (UBT) also slammed the BJP-led Indian government for what it called a dictatorial decision. The party’s UT president Manish Sahni described Jammu and Kashmir as “a victim of political downgrading,” saying it was unprecedented in India’s history for a state to be demoted to a Union Territory.
The widespread protest sentiment across the political spectrum in Jammu on this day suggests deep public discontent and a resounding demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s pre-August 2019 status.
