Six Years After Article 370 Abrogation, Street Protests and Special Status Demands Resurface in J&K
On the sixth anniversary of the revocation of Article 370, senior leaders from the National Conference and other regional parties gathered in Srinagar to protest the Central government’s 2019 decision.
They demanded the return of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and statehood, as police prevented them from marching beyond their headquarters.
Protest at Party Headquarters Stalled
Supporters of the ruling National Conference gathered at Nawa-i-Subah, the party headquarters, chanting slogans like “August 5, 2019 decisions are not acceptable,” “Black laws are not acceptable,” and “Restore Articles 370 and 35A.” As they attempted to march toward Lal Chowk, police sealed off the gate, halting their advance.
Leaders Call August 5 a “Black Day”
PDP chief and former CM Mehbooba Mufti denounced the anniversary as a dark turning point.
“August 5 marks a black day not just for Jammu & Kashmir, but for the entire nation… The unconstitutional abrogation of J&K’s special status was not an end; it was the beginning of a broader assault on constitutional values,” she said via X.
She added that J&K became a “laboratory,” with its people disenfranchised and its demography targeted, calling the event a warning for all.
Peoples Conference head Sajad Lone echoed the sentiment, calling August 5 a “brutal reminder of undermining of democracy” and “selective targeting.” He expressed resilience: “I will never lose hope. We will get what has been taken away.”
Political Consensus Across Parties
Altaf Bukhari, president of the Apni Party, called August 5 a “painful reminder of a dark moment.” He urged New Delhi to uphold the democratic rights of J&K residents, stating that restoring their rights is a constitutional duty, not a favor.
He added that the region has endured decades of violence, and its people now demand peace, justice, and dignity. Bukhari called for an inclusive dialogue with New Delhi to address Kashmir’s issues and grievances.
Congress Joins Statewide Protests
Congress supporters held protests in all 20 districts of Jammu and Kashmir, echoing demands for statehood restoration.
J&K Congress president Tariq Hameed Karra declared, “It’s a black day for us… On the sixth anniversary, we are holding protests in all 20 districts… demanding the restoration of statehood at the earliest.”
Court to Hear Petitions for Statehood Restoration
The widespread dissatisfaction and demand for reinstating statehood gained legal momentum. A petition pending in the Supreme Court is scheduled for hearing on August 8, seeking restoration of J&K’s statehood.
Jammu and Kashmir’s Constitutional Shift
August 5, 2019, marked the revocation of Articles 370 and 35A, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.
The state was split into two Union Territories—J&K with legislature and Ladakh without. In December 2023, the Supreme Court upheld the revocation but directed that Assembly elections be held by September 2024 and statehood restored “at the earliest.”
Broader Implications Across India
Mehbooba Mufti warned that the central government’s actions are not limited to Kashmir.
“From Tamil Nadu to Kashmir, non-local voters are being added en masse, paving the way for demographic manipulation and electoral distortion. If India does not wake up now, what began in J&K will soon define the nation,” she posted.
On the sixth anniversary of Article 370’s abrogation, regional political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir gathered in Srinagar to protest at Nawa‑i‑Subah.
Their demonstration was stopped by police, who restricted them from marching. Across parties—including NC, PDP, Apni Party, and Congress—leaders unanimously condemned the 2019 decision, calling it unconstitutional and a violation of democratic values.
While the Supreme Court petition awaits hearing on August 8, political voices continue urging the Centre to restore statehood, engage in meaningful dialogue, and uphold the dignity and rights of Jammu and Kashmir’s people.
