Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) on Wednesday held counter-protests across Kashmir, demanding restoration of statehood and constitutional safeguards for Jammu and Kashmir, as the BJP also staged a protest in Srinagar against the NC-led government.
The NC protests were held amid a political confrontation between the two parties, with the BJP protesting against the government over issues including electricity, water, roads and unemployment, while the NC maintained that key commitments concerning J&K remained unfulfilled.
Addressing reporters during the protest in Srinagar, J&K Education Minister and NC leader Sakina Itoo said the party would continue its peaceful struggle for restoration of what it described as the rights of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Every day is a day of protest for us,” Itoo said, asserting that the demand for restoration of rights had continued since 2019 and would be pursued at every level and on every platform.
She said the demand was not confined to the NC but reflected the sentiments of people across Jammu and Kashmir.
“This is not just the voice of one organisation, but it is the voice of the people of the entire Jammu and Kashmir,” she said.
Itoo also alleged that restrictions and checkpoints had been imposed at several places to prevent NC workers from joining the protest. She further alleged that BJP workers were allowed to move freely through Lal Chowk while NC protesters faced restrictions.
The minister reiterated the party’s demand for restoration of Articles 370 and 35A and statehood, saying these measures were necessary to end what she described as “high-handedness”.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani said the government was compelled to protest as key issues, including restoration of statehood and rationalisation of reservations, remained pending despite the government waiting for two years.
Wani said the government had patiently waited for commitments made to the people to be fulfilled, adding that there had been no concrete discussion on restoration of statehood despite expectations that it would follow the elections.
On reservation rationalisation, Wani said the Cabinet had approved the matter and forwarded it to the Lieutenant Governor, but the issue remained pending. He said the matter was subsequently returned to the Cabinet after queries were received from Delhi, but no response had yet been sent back.
“This is an issue directly linked to the future of our youth, but it is also being delayed and no decision has been taken on it,” Wani said.
He also questioned the delay in appointing the Advocate General, saying several matters were being held up.
Wani accused the opposition of attempting to divert public attention instead of addressing issues confronting the people, and alleged that the electoral verdict in Jammu and Kashmir had not been accepted by the opposition.
Meanwhile, NC Chief Spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the protest was aimed at reminding the BJP leadership in New Delhi of the promises and commitments made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
“We only want to remind the BJP leadership in Delhi that the promises you made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir must be fulfilled. The time has now come,” Sadiq said.
He said the party wanted to take out a peaceful procession towards the BJP headquarters to convey its demands to the central leadership, including restoration of statehood, constitutional guarantees and reservation-related measures for youth.
“It is not only about constitutional guarantees and special status, but also about statehood and reservation for our children. Something must be done for the youth today,” he said.
Sadiq also alleged that NC workers were being prevented from reaching the protest site due to restrictions and barricades placed at different locations.
Meanwhile, the BJP staged a parallel protest in Srinagar, with Leader of Opposition in the J&K Legislative Assembly Sunil Sharma saying the demonstration reflected what he termed the failures of the NC-led government.
BJP leaders and workers gathered near the Clock Tower in Lal Chowk ahead of a proposed march towards the Civil Secretariat. Sharma said people were taking to the streets over issues including electricity, water, roads and unemployment, particularly concerns over employment opportunities for youth.
He also criticised the government over increased electricity tariffs and alleged that the additional burden was being placed on the poor.
The BJP had announced the march towards the Civil Secretariat as part of its protest, with security tightened across Lal Chowk and the road towards the Secretariat from Hari Singh High Street closed amid deployment of police and paramilitary personnel.
